Boy on a Phoenix

Name/Title

Boy on a Phoenix

Description

Boy on a Phoenix was begun in 1960 at Stone Mountain, Georgia, and completed in Atlanta in 1974. The expressionistic sculpture depicts an attenuated figure atop a creature with projecting neck and wings resembling exaggerated okra. Given by the artist in memory of a child who had drowned, Thomas' figure holds up his left hand as though waving goodbye as he grasps the gangling bird with the other. The artist accents the child's ressurection into new life by choosing as his mount the legendary pheonix, as emblem of rebirth and immortality, of destruction and resurrection through fire. Dying by self immolation, the pheonix rises from its own ashes after three days.

Artwork Details

Medium

copper and bronze

Collection

Permanent Collection

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Steffen Thomas

Role

Artist

Dimensions

Dimension Notes

Actual- 20" wide 44" long

Exhibition

55 Years: Experiencing Art from the Museum Collection