Edward Clark Potter. "Patience and Fortitude"

The two pink Tennessee marble lions in front of the New York Public Library are a symbol of New York City and one of sculptor's Edward Clark Potter's greatest work. The sculptor is also known for having built sculptures for the World's Columbian Exposition celebrated in Chicago near the end of the 1800's. For the commission of these wonderful lions, Edward Clark Potter was recommended by fellow sculptor Augustus Saint-Gardens famous for his many sculptures now registered as national historic landmarks spread throughout the country and include works such as the Sherman Memorial in Central Park. The two lions were carved by Piccirilli Brothers who are also well known for many of their own historic works. Throughout the years, the lions have had several names. It was intended for them to be called Leo Astor and Leo Lennox for the two private libraries that formed the core of the collection. The names were later changed to Lord Lennox and Lady Astor although both lions are male. During the 1930's well known NYC Mayor Fiorello La Guardia named them Patience and Fortitude and those names have stuck. Leslie would like me to share that one of her favorite movies The Wiz was filmed in this library and the lion which I'm sitting on, Patience, was fictionally destroyed in the film. Here is the link to the video.