My sister has taken the role of a NYC tourist as she walks in the city and today she photographed Patience and Fortitude. They’re carved from pink Tennessee marble, designed by sculptor Edward Clark Potter.
“Patience and Fortitude, the world-renowned pair of marble lions that stand proudly before the majestic Beaux-Arts building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, have captured the imagination and affection of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world since the Library was dedicated on May 23, 1911.”
8 thoughts on “Library Lions Don Masks in New York City”
Thank you, Mary and Ruth for this update on Patience and Fortitude!! I was thinking of them recently!! Glad to
know the Library cares……. and they are definitely a safe distance apart! Love.
“After the dedication, the pair were named Leo Aster and Leo Lenox, after the library’s founders, Jacob Aster and James Lenox. Later, folks decided to dress them up in costume ….”
Thank you, Mary and Ruth for this update on Patience and Fortitude!! I was thinking of them recently!! Glad to
know the Library cares……. and they are definitely a safe distance apart! Love.
Were they named in 1911 or did that happen later ? They are magnificent.
“After the dedication, the pair were named Leo Aster and Leo Lenox, after the library’s founders, Jacob Aster and James Lenox. Later, folks decided to dress them up in costume ….”
https://classicnewyorkhistory.com/new-york-public-library-lions-patience-and-fortitude/
They were renamed by mayor LaGuardia during the depression
Thank you for posting the link. I would have enjoyed seeing those entertaining attire changes and appreciated the spirited competitions.
Love this. And what a good example for all of us!!!
Looks like they received some custom-made masks; fancy!
Setting a good example for the residents.