Sits next to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, in Morningside Heights. It is adorned with little bronze statues, the “Animals of Freedom” created by children artists selected in a public competition in 1985. The statues are circling a larger bronze sculpture the “Fountain of Peace”, created by Greg Wyatt, sculptor-in-residence at the Cathedral. Laden with biblical symbols and connotations, some peaceful but mostly violent, such as a tranquil Moon and a joyous Sun, Archangel Michael, the Prince of the Archangels and Defender of the Faith, a decapitated Satan (defeated by the sword of said Archangel), a giant crab, giraffes and several other animals all sitting on a pedestal that resembles the double helix of DNA – the tree of life, while four sets of hands rise up from the ground.
Spectacular? Yes
Peaceful? Wouldn’t say so, what do you think?
Morningside Heights,
Manhattan
January 21st, 2017
The Humble Fabulist 
Omg ahahahah I never noticed this! So creepy! Need to check it out again…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, the b&w may bring out the creepiness but it IS pretty creepy in colour too! The Fountain of Peace? Hahaha I don’t think so…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! You’re right… Truly the stuff of which nightmares are made! 😆
LikeLike
Hehehe the Beasties would love it here!
LikeLike
They’d certainly make it a little cuddlier… I think it’s the crab bit that freaks me out the most! 😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed quite creepy, i agree..
LikeLiked by 1 person
The scary stories it could inspire… brrrr
LikeLike
These images are creepy in black and white, plus the time of year – no leaves on the trees – lends to a haunted atmosphere. However, the workmanship is incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True that! Workmanship on the fountain is so intense, literally awe-inspiring. And not to forget the commendable work of those kids, a perfect complement to the fountain. Plus, we love a bit of creepiness on a January afternoon, in the City…
LikeLike
Excellent choice to capture this in B&W, Lia! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehehe I hope the Archangel wasn’t mad at me, or else… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Children love macabre and subversive pieces when they get it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that was the child in me that got so excited! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on From 1 Blogger 2 Another.
LikeLike
I visited a few days ago. Creepy? Hmmm….It truly reveals the spiritual battle of Good vs Evil. As a children’s Art teacher for 40 years, I can tell you that the spiritual depth of a child is aware of this theme. Charles Dickens wrote that they were so fresh from God. This might explain their keen knowledge. This sculpture and its many depictions bring up much questioning about life. This is a good thing for adults and children. Wyatt was working to portray that our hearts are not settled until they rest in God (Augustine) which is where we find peace. The struggle is real; but, so is the love, grace and peace of God. I hope to go here again and next time to bring my precious grandchildren!
LikeLike
Thank you for your thought-provoking comment. As an adult, I found the garden rather unsettling. It would be great to hear the children’s views – they are the fiercest critics after all 🙂
LikeLike