Gods and monsters on Butler Street

What men or gods are these? What maidens loth? What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape? What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?

At O'Bannon Oriental Carpets, art isn't just underfoot, it's outside.

They arrived on Saturday, a new shipment of garden statuary looking like ancient messengers trapped in concrete.

There's Atlas, above left, with the weight of the world on his shoulders for the rest of time. He's oblivious to the less-than-handsome Pan, above right, with his flute of seven reeds.

Look closer. Pan has a sly smile on his face. Does he still dream of chasing nymphs? Is the god of shepherds forever piping songs forever new?

Both Atlas and Pan have been "cast" in the role of telamones, columns or supports for a building sculpted in the shape of men.

Their architectural sister the caryatid, left, seems all too lifelike. She's not kidding around, is she. Would you call her gaze determined? Sullen? Is she playing hard to get?

These architectural elements are more than decorative objects for your garden. They tease us out of thought: They remind us of the importance of strength or endurance. 

In addition to large statuary, O'Bannon also has some smaller pieces to hang on a wall or place among your flower beds.

This plaque seems to be Medusa. You know the saying "if looks could kill"? Well, her looks could. In fact, it was she who caused Atlas' misfortune. One look at her head and Atlas was turned into a mountain, a mountain so high he seemed to be supporting the heavens.

Here they both are, endlessly repeating the ancient past in the little yard on Butler Street between O'Bannon and Coca Cafe. 

The garden statues can be viewed 24/7 at 3803 Butler Street in Lawrenceville.

O'Bannon Oriental Carpets

Tue-Fri 11:00-6:00
Sat 11:00-5:00
or by appointment
412-621-0700
info@obannonrugs.com