When people fall into a routine, they often lose their inquisitive nature, and in turn, transform into running horses with partly obscured vision. Today I decided to pull off my blinders and see the magnificent city in which I study, and to my surprise, I found something amazing with alarming speed. A few blocks from the Baruch library I stumbled upon one of the most grandiose works of architecture that I have seen. There, proudly sitting on 27Madison Avenue was a piece of history so rich, so beautiful, and so breathtaking. What I later discovered to be the Manhattan Appellate Courthouse, I immediately recognized as a form of Beaux art, modeled after ancient Roman architecture. With two stories, five lofty pillars, gleaming windows, and an assembly of marble heroes, this building shone with a godly radiance against the gray backdrop of generic skyscrapers. I approached the front of the building from its left side and in front of me I saw a finely sculpted masculine figure. Clothed in the apparel of a Roman general, he was sitting erect in a masterfully carved throne. His muscular arm, with well-defined veins and tendons, grasped the side of his throne, which was shaped into a winged lion. Below his feet, engraved into the marble of the platform was the word “Force”. Power, strength, and force; they were all words that crossed my mind as I stood below this statue with my head raised in awe and respect. The beauty of New York, I realized, is its appreciation for not only the new and improved, but also its dedication to honoring the ancient and legendary.
Nastassia, your writing is richly descriptive. Although this blog post doesn’t have a picture of the courthouse, you have reconstructed the image of this marvelous building in my mind. I can see the godly radiance from the Appellate Courthouse against the uninspired grey of the surrounding skyscrapers, and feel the masculinity and authority of the Roman general sculpture. It’s brilliant.
A picture is now added! Thank you.
I’m in awe by your ability to paint such a vivid picture with words. The actual photo feels almost inferior to your description. Through your characterization of the statue, of it’s gallant stance, powerful sitting form, and the winged lion, it really struck me of the statue’s symbolism. I can firmly align the statue with valor and power, which is representing the Appellate Courthouse. Thank you for sharing such a vibrant encounter in front of the courthouse.
What a beautiful description! I can tell that imagery is your forte from your posts. I really admire Ancient Roman art/architecture. This post reminds me of some passages in this really expensive Art History textbook that I have. You described it so well that the picture is redundant! Haha. I especially love your last line. New York is a beautiful juxtaposition of the modern and the old (but respected). We are reminded of it every day: how we can walk past a museum of Ancient art, and then across the street is the Apple store – a real-life museum of the technological revolution.