photo credit: Boston Art Commission
The popular ‘Quest Eternal’ statue is one the move to Smith Playground in Allston.
For nearly 50 years, the nude statue accompanied the busy Boylston Street side of Boston’s Prudential Center. However, the famous statue disappeared 5 years ago during construction, but now, it’s all set for a comeback.
According to the city of Boston, the large picturesque sculpture is set to move to Smith Playground in Allston, 235 Western Ave as part of a major redesign of the park.
Artist Donald De Lue was commissioned to create the sculpture by the Boston Art Commission for the Prudential Center in 1967. The sizeable 27-foot-tall nude statue made of bronze and granite depicts a male figure appearing to be “reaching out to the heavens” just outside the tall Prudential building.
The description by the Boston Arts Commission describes De Lue’s sculpture as:
“Twisted in a dramatic pose, this 27-foot tall male figure reaches toward the sky. The muscular nude brings to mind ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, as well as the work of Renaissance-era artists, who often looked to classical art to inspire their choice of subject matter and style. Here, the sculpture also fits in with the modern urban landscape and parallels the bold verticality of the neighboring Prudential Tower, completed three years before the sculpture’s installation.”
A report by the Boston Arts Commission states that they have accepted the statue as a gift from Prudential owners, Boston Properties. A release by the city of Boston commented on the relocation of the statue stating, “Anyone who remembers the original Prudential Center remembers the giant statue oftentimes referred to as the “Naked Guy.” You couldn’t miss it.”
A council meeting held by the city approved the gift as a donation and voted to move ‘Quest Eternal to Smith Playground in Allston park’ as a part of the park’s redesign. Other renovations to the park established all the way back in 1894 include playground improvements, an ampitheater, a water spray feature, hangout spaces, and more.
With so many improvements coming to the space, the park is sure to become one of the best things to do in Boston on the weekend!
