Epic Beings: Six Fountainhead Figures - Rockefeller Center, NY, NY

Six Fountainhead Figures
by Rene Paul Chambellan

GPS: N40° 45.507; W73° 58.697

Short Description: 

The six Fountainhead Figures occupy the fountain located between the British building and the French building in an area known as the Channel Gardens.


Long Description: 

Rene Paul Chambellan created these six 33" by 26" by 47" sculptures that were cast at the Roman Bronze Works and  installed in 1935. Three female figures are Nereids and three male figures are Tritons. In Greek mythology, the Nereids are female sea nymphs. They are the fifty daughters of  Nereus and his wife Doris. Tritons were a race of sea gods from Triton the son of  Poseidon and Amphitrite.

Each figure is depicted riding on the back of a sea creature and represents an attribute that has enabled mankind's progress: Leadership, Will, Thought, Imagination, Energy, and Alertness.  From up hill to downhill they are:

Leadership is a Triton blowing on a conch shell with both hands.

Will  is a Nereid with her right hand holding the left side of a sea creature and her left arm drawn back.

Thought is a Nereid who is scratching her head with her left hand.

Imagination is a Nereid with her left hand to the side of her head and her right arm bent at a inward angle towards her torso.

Energy is a Triton who is leaning forward with her right arm outstretched.

Alertness is a Triton who is turning to his right with both arms outstretched.