America has always been known as a bastion of capitalism. Perhaps the most symbolic stretch of road in all of New York City, Wall Street embodies the for-profit mentality of American industry. Two blocks south of the New York Stock Exchange, one can view the “Charging Bull” by Arturo Di Modica. This particular piece has a warm history and has held a place in the hearts of New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1989.

In 1989, the bull was placed under the Christmas tree of the New York Stock Exchange. Di Modica placed it there as a Christmas gift to the American people. However, it was quickly removed and impounded by the NYPD for being in violation of city ordinances. In a stark example of American ingenuity, Di Modica actually drew publicity from his artistic stunt. His “Christmas gift to the American people” proved to be very beneficial to Di Modica’s career as an artist. So much so, in fact, that his piece was moved to its current location where is has been a tourist sensation ever since. He retains full ownership of the piece and is only allowed to display it with “temporary” permission from the city, though it is doubtful that the city has any desire to remove the piece or relocate it.

The “Charging Bull” quickly became an iconic symbol of market fluctuation and the strength of American industry. Di Modica described it in his own words as a symbol of the “strength and power of the American People.” This idea of “strength and power” is apparent from the posture of the bull. Anyone who visits the site of the “Charging Bull” (located in Bowling Green Park) may notice the positioning of the bull. It is specifically postured to convey a sense of force. The bull has its head leaning down, as if posed to charge. The flare in its nostrils and the menacing look of ambition of its face make for an excellent example of site-specific art.

Of course, the bull is symbolic of all things financial. Namely, it represents the economic concept of a bull market, as opposed to a bear market. The former represents confidence in investment; it means that the financial sector is doing well in all things profit related. This is especially important with regard to the placement of the bull. After all, it is in the quite appropriate setting of the Financial District in New York City: the capitalist center of the world.