Foggy Bottom in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Helios the Titan, 2006
Painted Steel
53"×57"×96"
— Jules Olitski
American, born Ukraine, 1922-2007 —
In Greek mythology, Helios was imagined as a handsome god crowned with the shining aureole of the sun. He drove the chariot of the sun across the sky each day to the earth—circling Oceanus and returning through the world-ocean to his palace in the east at night. Homer described Helios' chariot as drawn by solar steeds (Iliad XVI.779). Later, Pindar described it as drawn by "Fire-darting steeds" (Olympian Ode 7.71). Still later, the horses were given fiery names: Pyrios, Aeos, Aethon, and Phlegon. As time passed, Helios was increasingly identified with Apollo, the god of light. The euqivalent of Helios in Roman mythology was Sol Invictus.
There are three "Titans" and three "Cyclops." All six in the series were created from cement mixers. The artist recycled industrial materials and transformed them into sculpture. The prominent circular cutout motif on Helios responds to the changing passage of the sun as it makes the days, months, and seasons at GW.
Erected by The George Washington University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 38° 53.923′ N, 77° 2.944′ W. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Carol Brown Goldberg (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leonard A. Grimes (about 400 feet away); Aleksandr Pushkin (about 400 feet away); St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Saint Mary's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Veterans Memorial Park (about 400 feet away); ΦΒΚ (Phi Beta Kappa) (about 500 feet away); Pembroke College, Oxford, Coat of Arms (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Additional keywords. Greek mythology, Roman mythology, classical literature | Helios the Titan, 2006
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
