Public Art Details
News from Marathon
Artist: Kirk St. Maur
Region: Saint Louis University
Location: Ward 19 - Entrance to Simon Recreation Center
Address: 221 N Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108
Artist Bio:
b. 1949
Dimensions: 9' x 3' x 3'
Year completed: 1994
Material: Bronze
Owner: Saint Louis University
Description:
The heroic-sized figure of a male runner is a unique portrayal of Pheidippides shown at the moment of fulfilling his legendary mission of running to Athens from Marathon to announce the victory of the Athenians over the Persians in 400 BC. The athletic figure invites one to admire the bravado of such a feat, but, combined with knowledge that the messenger fell dead immediately after delivering his mission, speaks of the pathos of carrying out one's mission to the point of death. Said St. Maur, "This sculpture is meant to be a universal symbol of heroic spirit and perseverance."
St. Maur studied at Carleton College in the U.S. and at the Florence Academy in Italy. He has been hailed in the U.S. as a "master" and in Italy as a "modern day Donatello" for the vital spirit, classic timelessness, and warm naturalism of his sculpture. (Courtesy of SLUMA)
