Commerce and Industry with a Caduceus - New York City, NY - Relief Art Sculptures on Waymarking.com

This 1936 relief by Attilio Piccirilli sits above another of his works called "Youth Leading Industry" See WMCHN0

This work is titled Commerce and Industry with a Caduceus. It is set above this Rockefeller Center building's doorway at 636 Fifth Avenue. And whereas the other work is listed on the Smithsonian Inventory, this one is not.
This website (visit link) informs us about the sculpure and artist:

"The large limestone cartouche of two monumental-sized figures symbolizes the basic trades of a nation. The male figure on the left represents commerce, with one hand resting on the handle of a sledgehammer. The female figure on the right represents industry, holding the edge of a rope draped over her shoulder with one hand resting on a cog. A large caduceus, the symbol of Mercury, the god of trade, is placed between the figures. The figures are idealized, with sculpted bodies and confident, relaxed posture. They are clearly delineated, set against protective red and gold wings with a boldly colored, textured background.

Italian born Attilio Piccirilli (1868-1945) was a sculptor, model maker and stone carver. He immigrated to the United States where he and his brothers opened an atelier and workshop specializing in stone. Piccirilli Brothers was also responsible for the Maine Monument in Columbus Circle. They carved the pediment of the New York Stock Exchange, the Four Continents at the US Custom House, Patience and Fortitude at the New York Public Library, and the Washington Arch for other sculptors. Piccirilli's other work in Rockefeller Center, Joy of Life, can be found in One Rockefeller Plaza."

The artist, Attilio Piccirilli, 1866-1945, was an American who had been born in Italy. According to Wikipedia (visit link) another of his Purex works at Rockefeller Center (not the one below this piece)was removed during World War II because it seemed to be too fascist in style. Nevertheless, he was commissioned for many public works across the country...see, a partial list at the Wikipedia article.

Your impression of the sculpture?: Date Sculpture was opened for vewing?: 01/01/1936 Website for sculpture?: [Web Link] Where is this sculpture?: 636 Fifth Avenue New York City, NY USA Sculptors Name: Attilio Piccirilli

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