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RICHARD L. MINNS
 artist                                                                                                                                                                                                 return
Victory
Bronze, 107 high x 40 x 40 cm, 2002
42 high x 16 x 16 inches

 

 

 

 

Description of Sculpture:
 The up-turned thumb, or “thumb up”, has always been the symbol of victory. Victory in sports. Victory in politics. Victory in achievement. Victory in battle. Victory in war. It is actually known as the “Thumb of Hercules”.

It began with the legend of the Greek God Herakles, who was ordered to perform 12 Labours for King Eurystheus. After each successful labour, Herakles returned, his right arm raised high, fist closed, thumb in the air, signifying that he was victorious. The Romans adopted the Greek Gods, changed “Herakles” to “Hercules”, and used Hercules thumb-up symbol as the symbol of Roman victory. When the Roman army victors rode their chariots with captured war slaves behind, they signalled Caesar with the thumb-up. This continued to the Coliseum, where a thumb-up from Caesar granted life and a thumb-down was a death sentence.

“VICTORY” illustrates Richard's knowledge and mastery of Classical anatomy. Note the massive strength of the muscles in the hand and fingers, the beautiful forearm ridged with veins pumping life.

“VICTORY” is also used as a corporate logo. Olympia Closing Services Company in West Palm Beach Florida uses “VICTORY”.

Artist's Interpretation:
 “I originally sketched the design some time ago for the Shimon Peres Peace Centre when it looked like the Oslo Agreement would bring peace to Israel and the Palestinians and after Prime Minister Rabin, Yasser Arafat and Shimon Peres were all three awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Now, it stands in key places throughout the world as a symbol for Victory.”

Richard Minns
                               artist                                  return

                                E-mail: info@hayhillgallery.com