NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY LIONS

Patience and Fortitude turn 101 this year. They recently had a face lift, hence the much younger look. They received their names by Mayor LaGuardia during the depression as a symbol of virtue to lead New Yorkers during the tough times of the 1930s. Thus they were placed amongst the most beloved New York City icons such as the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center. They helped define a generation and a attitude.

They are the subject of many New Yorker cartoons amongst one of my favorite which shows two lion cubs roaming the side walk with Patience and Fortitude looking at each other in surprise at their origin.

Generally the tourists photograph the Lions often with a friend or family member at paw. This lady is so brave as to provide world wide exposure to her artistic skills as she demonstrates them for the summer crowds as if they were rushing to an opening day game at Yankee Stadium.