Copper Negotiations --reflecting on Colossus of Rhodes This work draws influence from the history of copper as a prized resource in the Bronze Age and upon descriptions regarding the architecture of the Colossus of Rhodes. Background structures of heated arches relay a classical influence that reminds one of an ancient vaults providing space for a sculptural dedication to a saving deity. Mirror polished stainless steel arms sweep up and reach out from anchoring feet to support a body of patterned copper balanced about its fulcrum. In visualizing the Colossus' pose and attributes, reconstruct a youth in a running pose, weight supported on the right leg, right arm raised with open hand in a greeting gesture, rayed head turned slightly in the same direction. His athletic body is covered only by a chlamys pinned over the right shoulder and draped around the bent left arm. A metal beam descending to the base from the elbow and through the mantle tip accompanies a second metal bar rising high into the body and going through the wide-apart left foot at the heel; a third bar descends from the right shoulder through the weight leg. Together, the three beams define a triangular resting surface and continue deep down into base and podium. The Colossus of Rhodes was an enormous statue depicting the city's patron god, Helios. When Alexander the Great died unexpectedly in 323 B.C, three of his generals took control and divided the empire. Rhodes sided with one general, Ptolemy, and they forged a fruitful relationship, as well as control of trade in the eastern Mediterranean. One of the other generals, Antigonus, became riled at this, and called on his son Demetrius to invade Rhodes in 305 B.C. Despite an army of 40,000 men and 200 warships, Demetrius was unable to break through Rhodes' impressive defenses. As a result of this decisive victory, it was determined that a commemorative statue be erected to honor Helios, the patron god of Rhodes. Using materials that had been melted down from the weapons left by Demetrius, the stone towers were reinforced with iron beams and the copper/bronze was attached to the shell. When the Arabs conquered Rhodes in 654 A.D., the remains were broken down and transported to Syria, and likely sold piece by piece. This sculpture design is availible per custom order. Each sculpture is hand formed and will have slight variances.
