1969 - 1989
Bronze
Model for the sculpture installed in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York
Saints Cyril and Methodius
Andrej RudavskyThe work was created as an official gift from the Slovak Republic and today stands in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Rudavský returned to this subject over a long period of time — its conceptual origins date back to around 1969–1971, but the final realization only became possible after 1989, when greater artistic and public freedom allowed works of this kind to be carried out.
Context
At the heart of the work is the spiritual and cultural legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It draws on the idea “In the beginning was the Word,” emphasizing the importance of writing, language, and culture as bearers of identity.
Rudavský works with archetype and symbol. The figures are reduced and simplified, conveying a spiritual meaning rather than a specific physical likeness.
The motif of the Glagolitic script also plays an important role as a fundamental cultural symbol. Engraved Glagolitic inscriptions wind across the surface of the sculpture, recalling a message from ancient times:
“Does not rain from God fall equally upon everyone? Does not the sun shine upon everyone? Do we not all breathe the same air?”
Inspiration and Concept
“They — the Heralds of the Faith — unlike my children, only came to America after 1989. The sculptural group is encircled by letters of the Glagolitic alphabet, recalling a message from ancient times: ‘Does not rain from God fall equally upon everyone? Does not the sun shine upon everyone? Do we not all breathe the same air?’
I also created the stone tomb of St. Constantine-Cyril for the courtyard of the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. On that occasion, I met Pope John Paul II. Those were unforgettable moments.”
Other Works Abroad
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