I was intrigued by this "best foot forward" detail the other day while walking in the Fremont neighborhood. Thirteen years ago, in 1995, I watched a crane place this bronze statue at the "Center of the Universe", as Seattle's Fremont neighborhood styles itself. The procedure was one of those breath-holding experiences for me. Now, in 2008 this statue stands a couple of blocks north of it's original location, still at the center of the universe. There is a very interesting story surrounding this art piece and apparently the statue is still for sale. If you're in the market for a large work of art, check into it. In 2006, according the this Wiki article, the asking price was only $250,000. For a more complete view of this statue of Vladimir Lenin created by Slovak Bulgarian sculptor Emil Venkov , click here for my "extra depth".
Monday, May 12, 2008
Fame and Infamy
I was intrigued by this "best foot forward" detail the other day while walking in the Fremont neighborhood. Thirteen years ago, in 1995, I watched a crane place this bronze statue at the "Center of the Universe", as Seattle's Fremont neighborhood styles itself. The procedure was one of those breath-holding experiences for me. Now, in 2008 this statue stands a couple of blocks north of it's original location, still at the center of the universe. There is a very interesting story surrounding this art piece and apparently the statue is still for sale. If you're in the market for a large work of art, check into it. In 2006, according the this Wiki article, the asking price was only $250,000. For a more complete view of this statue of Vladimir Lenin created by Slovak Bulgarian sculptor Emil Venkov , click here for my "extra depth".
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15 comments:
Nice shot, Chuck. Original. I wonder what Lenin would think of standing next to a Taco del Mar!
Bibi, he'd probably be happy eating warm food -:)
The wear shows how many years he's been standing there waiting to be brought home, I like the shot in the other blog too where the background is a maple tree...
A great image and story. By 1995 (when I went over) there were very few communist artworks anywhere in Hungary either. I heard they gathered them all into an open air "museum" somewhere near or in Budapest, but I never got around to visiting it.
Very nice...I'm sure when it's sold, many people of the city will miss it.
I don't have a quarter of a million laying around but i sure like sculptures and bronze.
In hindsight i may do something with mothersday :)
Neat pic and great story. MB
I like the statue, but the 1/4 million is out of my league. I guess I'll have to pass this time.
I find it amusing that he is regularly outfitted in seasonally appropriate attire.
Who would have thought that this statue would end up in Seattle,USA..
When you swear in,
to become an American,you have to swear that you are not a Communist... does not work for statues!!! ;~))
Your shots should be used by the Family to sell them!
I am afraid it would take too much room in my Living room!!
When did Lenin become a beloved historical character? :-)
I read that even the Russians are not a fan of his.
Gotta love Fremont. Good post!
Ming, it's my impression that Lenin was the idealist. Stalin was the really deadly and nasty guy. He made Lenin look positively romantic.
Very interesting shot, and interesting story behind the picture. Will comrade Lenin ever find a home? And why do statues in Fremont get the benefit of costumes? I remember seeing the the Waiting for the Interurban statue decked out in party gear. : )
I love Marie-Noyale's comment! Great pic.
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