Civilization and the Sphinxes

Civic

Civilization and the Sphinxes

The monumental entrance sculpture at Los Angeles Central Library, a defining collaboration of art, architecture and learning.

Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927

Civilization & the Sphinxes

Original plaster model for Civilization, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Original plaster model for Civilization
This is Lawrie’s original plaster model for Civilization from which the stone statue was carved by Eddie Ardolino. It was completed in or around 1930.

Proposed placement of Civilization, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Proposed placement of Civilization
From the original blue prints of the Los Angeles Public Library, this drawing shows the proposed placement of the statue of Civilization, even before it was created.

Civilization and the Sphinxes, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Civilization and the Sphinxes
Sphinxes symbolizing the hidden mysteries of knowledge and guarding the approach to the Statue of Civilization. In black, unveined Belgian Marble.

Civilization, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Civilization

Civilization’s Gown, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Civilization’s Gown
Showing the progression of ancient through modern civilizations.

A Library publication, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — A Library publication
Explaining the symbolism and literary heritage of the Civilization and Sphinxes.

Another view of Civilization’s Gown, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Another view of Civilization’s Gown

The Left Sphinx, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — The Left Sphinx
“I am all that was and is to be and no man hath lifted up my veil.” —Plutarch.

The Left Sphinx, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — The Left Sphinx

The Right Sphinx, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — The Right Sphinx
“Therefore, the desire of truth, especially that which concerns the gods, is itself a yearning after Divinity.” —Plutarch.

The Right Sphinx, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — The Right Sphinx

A library publication from LAPL’s archives, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — A library publication from LAPL’s archives
The books held by the Sphinxes contain phrases from Plutarch’s Morals (On Isis and Osiris). The Sphinxes are carved from black Belgian Marble.

Model note, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Model note
Lawrie asked that the plaster model used for Civilization and Sphinx to be destroyed upon completion of the work, but he requested to keep the head.

Letter to Librarian Everett Perry, Los Angeles Central Public Library · 1927 — Letter to Librarian Everett Perry
Lawrie advises on the lighting, as well as the care of the statues of Civilization and the Sphinxes.