Friday, October 28, 2016

Figurative Sculpture: The Pancratiast - Providence, RI

The Pancratiast
Providence, RI


N 41° 47.002 W 071° 24.738



Short Description: 

The Pancratiast, a.k.a. The Boxer at Rest, is located in Roger Williams Park at the northern junction of Maple Ave. and Pine Hill Ave. in Providence, RI.

Long Description:

The Pancratiast is a bronze copy of the sculpture discovered on the Quirinal Hill of Rome in 1885 near the ancient Baths of Constantine. It is part of the collection of the Terme Museum in Rome.

A 4.5' by 2' by 3.25' bronze sculpture of a seated Pancratiast displayed on a 6' by 3.25' by 5' pink granite base. A Pancratiast is the champion of a martial arts contest involving a combination boxing and wrestling. The bearded, nude, male figure is seated on a large rock while looking up and over his right shoulder. He is wearing protective gear that covers his hands to his mid-forearms.




The original sculpture was created by an unknown Italian artist. This copy of the sculpture was a gift to the City of Providence from Paul Bajnotti and was dedicated on September 25, 1900.

The front of the base is inscribed:

THE PANCRATIAST
PRESENTED TO THE
CITY OF PROVIDENCE
BY
PAUL BAJNOTTI
TURIN, ITALY
SEPTEMBER 25, 1900

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