Socrates Sculpture
Athens Square Park
This bronze piece depicts ancient Greek philosopher Socrates (469-399 B.C.) in a seated position, gesturing as if engaged in dialogue. Designed by artist Anthony Frudakis (born 1953) and dedicated in 1993, the statue was commissioned by Athens Square, Inc., a community-based group formed to promote Athens Square Park’s renovation. The sculpture is one of a quartet of sculptures planned for the park, including Athena, Aristotle, and Sophocles, that are intended to evoke an ancient Greek theme to honor Astoria’s Greek-American population.
Athens Square Park was designed by architect Stamatios P. Lykos, who was commissioned by Athens Square, Inc. to create a sunken court amphitheater for public performances and events. By basing his design for Athens Square on an ancient Greek city planning scheme, Lykos creates “a little bit of Athens in Astoria.” Lykos uses the Socrates sculpture and three Doric columns installed in 1996 as the focal point of the plaza, noting in his plans for the park that the two features form a backdrop for activities held at the site.
Saturday, Dec 01, 2001
