art on the outside

click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

San Francisco's Legion of Honor seems to operate on "banker's hours", but hey--no problem, some of its best art is on display 24/7 outside and open to the elements.

To the contrary, ask ME and I'll tell you that the big red "I-beam" sculpture never has and never will have any value to my artistic sensibilities.
And I really don't think anybody cares anymore about the warriors on horses waving swords flanking each side of the facadé. But okay--these big Lions carved of stone win my heart and soul every time.



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Of course, they keep Rodin's "The Thinker" behind the gates, since even though it is one of 19 copies it probably is quite valuable. And if you are up to something that is going to make you very sad, you can always view the outdoors installation of the George Segal "Holocaust" diorama.

But unless we walk around the Legion of Honor's outside perimeter we are going to miss MY favorite sculpture--"Laocoön and His Sons" which depict the Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons being strangled by sea-serpents. (CLICK for a better and more complete image taken a few years ago)



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

And how nice of them to keep the fountain out in the parking lot running. CLICK if you would like to read more about San Francisco's Legion of Honor and see a bit of the artwork on the inside.


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