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Socrates

History

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found postedwithin the park.

This bronze piece depicts ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 B.C.) in a seated position, gesturing as if engaged in dialogue. Designed by artist Anthony Frudakis (born 1953) and dedicated in 1993, the statue was commissioned by Athens Square, Inc., a community-based group formed to promote Athens Square Park’s renovation. The sculpture is one of a quartet of sculptures planned for the park, including Athena, Aristotle, and Sophocles, that are intended to evoke an ancient Greek theme to honor Astoria’s Greek-American population.

Athens Square Park was designed by architect Stamatios P. Lykos, who was commissioned by Athens Square, Inc. to create a sunken court amphitheater for public performances and events. By basing his design for Athens Square on an ancient Greek city planning scheme, Lykos creates “a little bit of Athens in Astoria.” Lykos uses the Socrates sculpture and three Doric columns installed in 1996 as the focal point of the plaza, noting in his plans for the park that the two features form a backdrop for activities held at the site.

 

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  • Seated figure (heroic scale) on base in form of right trianguloid
  • Seated figure (heroic scale) on base in form of right trianguloid
  • Seated figure (heroic scale) on base in form of right trianguloid

Socrates Details

  • Location: Facing sunken plaza
  • Sculptor: Anthony Frudakis
  • Architect: Stamatios P. Lykos, AIA, ASLA
  • Description: Seated figure (heroic scale) on base in form of right trianguloid
  • Materials: Figure--bronze; Base--black Carolina granite
  • Dimensions: Figure H: 6'; Base H: 7'6" W: 4' D: 7'6"
  • Cast: ca. 1993
  • Dedicated: May 15, 1993
  • Foundry: Modern Art Foundry
  • Fabricator: Consolidated Stone Setters (pedestal)
  • Donor: Athens Square, Inc.

Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namingsoften in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, butnot necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the yearlisted reflects the date of installation.

For more information, please contact Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8163

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