The bronze man and the sun monument

Georgia Museums, Tbilisi Georgia

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The bronze man and the sun monument from 1981 created by the famous Georgian-Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli.

Material: Bronze and gold leaf
Date range: 1981 AD
Origin: Tbilisi, Georgia

This monumental sculpture depicts a towering human figure raising a radiant golden sunburst toward the sky. The dark bronze figure contrasts sharply with the bright golden rays, heightening the monument’s visual impact against the open sky. A circular band of gilded elements encircles the column below the figure, adding to the sense of elevation and illumination. Standing prominently by one of Georgia’s major roadways, the monument has become a recognizable landmark for travelers entering or leaving the capital.

Supporting the central figure is a massive vertical column that serves as more than a mere pedestal, featuring intricate high-relief carvings that wrap around its surface. These reliefs depict a multitude of intertwined human forms, creating a textured narrative of collective history or labor that anchors the celestial theme above. A golden laurel wreath encircles the top of the column, marking the transition between the earthly base and the solitary figure.

Located on the highway connecting Tbilisi to its international airport, the structure serves as a symbolic gatekeeper for visitors entering the Georgian capital. It symbolizes human striving, creative energy, and the connection between people and the cosmic order. Created by renowned Georgian-Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, the work embodies themes of human potential and the life-giving power of the sun. It stands as a prominent example of the grandiose public art commissioned during the later years of the Soviet Union.

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The man and the sun monument by Zurab Tsereteli in Tbilisi

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Source:  Tbilisi, Georgia