"Prometheus Bringing Fire to Earth" (1935) by Nina Saemundsson

DESCRIPTION: 8-foot high bronze sculpture, mounted on 4-foot concrete pedestal


This sculpture by Icelandic artist and sculptor Nina Saemundsson (born Jónína Sæmundsdóttir) was dedicated on April 9, 1935 at MacArthur Park and depicts Prometheus, the Greek mythological Titan god of fire, raising a torch to the world (globe) that he holds in his left hand. The sculpture's creation was sponsored by the Los Angeles City Parks' Public Works of Art Project, as well as by the Works Projects Administration Federal Art Project.The sculpture was damaged at an unknown time by the removal of the globe from the sculpture's outstretched left hand, and damage to the surface was also significant. The plaque accompanying this early sculpture by Saemundsson mis-spells the title as simply "Promethus"[sic]. In a 2021 restoration of MacArthur Park, the sculpture's surface was restored and the 4-foot concrete pedestal was brightly painted. The globe from Prometheus' hand, however, remains missing.
LOCATION: MacArthur Park, southwest corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Alvarado Street, MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, California, USA