Picasso's Gift to the City of Chicago

Picasso's art lies within the city of Chicago, making a silent statement about the city and the people within. Though few can lay testament to knowing what was going through Picasso's mind when he created this work of art, the story behind this somewhat odd and surprising artwork, found on 50 West Washington Boulevard at the Richard J. Daley Plaza Civic Center is that of which legends are made.

From childhood on I remember, I was told the story, that apparently Mayor Daley was approached by an architect who was looking for some new art for the streets of Chicago. This architect wanted something different than the same old historical art that was currently scattered around Chicago.

It bored him and left him uninspired. He wanted something new, exciting, different and perhaps a bit on the surprising side. He wanted Picasso to create a work of art that would cause everyone who viewed it to stop and stare, marveling in it's uniqueness. When Mayor Daley learned of the idea he was heard to say that if Picasso is what was thought to be the greatest for Chicago, than that is what he wanted too!

Getting Picasso to do this statue was another matter. After all this wasn't your run of the mill artist, this was Picasso, a world known artist not to mention well respected in the art world as well. In addition to his celebrity status, at the time of the request Picasso was 82 years old and living in France.

But despite a great amount of back and forth discussion which seemed to last forever, the statue was designed, approved and created by Picasso. When this piece of art was installed, the city handed Picasso a check for $100,000 dollars, of which he simply refused, stating it was his gift to Chicago...no more discussion!

When it comes to the debate on what the statue is supposed to be, Mayor Daley offered his impression that it looked like "the wings of justice".....but whether that was the main theme or not, hasn't been proven, for since that time, others have given their opinions of this art, ranging from a woman, a fantastical creature and even a horse. As it is untitled, it is for the viewer to decide for him or herself. Something tells me that the mere fact that it isn't titled only adds to it's mystique and uniqueness...something that apparently was intended all the while.