This is the last work of art by Jacques Lipchitz, depicting Bellerophon and Pegasus. It was the final sculpture worked on by Lipchitz, and was completed after his death in 1973.

Lipchitz was one of the most prominent cubist sculptors of his generation. As a teenager he moved to Paris, where he mixed with Picasso and Braque. By the time he left Paris for New York at the start of the Second World War, Lipchitz had already established an international following.

The sculpture is actually in New York City, and what we have here in London is a 12 foot bronze cast that’s about half the size of the American original.

Sitting in a small park on a side street hidden from the crowds, it’s an easy one to miss, but the dramatic motion of the design, with the massive horse almost overpowering Bellerophon with his chains below.

For Lipchitz, this Greek legend represented the dominance of man over nature – Bellerophon, having tamed Pegasus, was sent to kill the monster Chimaera as a penance for rejecting the advances of Queen Argus.

A small building behind has been cleverly clad with a decorative wall that works well with the bronze, and the smaller intimate space created by this little park seems more suited to the titanic battle being fought.

It certainly gives people sipping their Lattes in the coffee shop next door something to ponder over their caffeine.

NEWSLETTER

Be the first to know what's on in London, and the latest news published on ianVisits.

You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails.

Tagged with:
SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE

This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles.

It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising.

Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver, every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website, and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts.

If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here.

Thank you

2 comments
  1. Mike Pretious says:

    This looks a very interesting piece of public art, but where in London is it please, Ian?! Nowhere in the article or in the Location Map can I find a reference to the actual site!

Home >> News >> London Art News