A bronze sculpture of a slender figure holding a large curved object above their head, set in a grassy area surrounded by trees. The sky is clear and blue, creating a serene atmosphere in the park.

Elisabeth Frink: Atlas

Art Outdoors /

Elisabeth Frink: Atlas

In Greek mythology, Atlas is a figure responsible for holding the heavens aloft. This sculpture combines several themes that Frink returned to throughout her career: strength and endurance alongside burden and vulnerability.

Elisabeth Frink was a leading figure in British sculpture during the second half of the 20th century. Her childhood was spent in the Suffolk countryside where she developed a strong connection with animals and the wider natural world. Frink lived through the Second World War, and her father was a soldier. These experiences shaped her perspective of the world, and the impact can be seen in the artwork she made.

Courtesy of a private collection.

  • A bronze sculpture of a slender figure holding a large curved object above their head, set in a grassy area surrounded by trees. The sky is clear and blue, creating a serene atmosphere in the park.
  • A bronze statue of a muscular man lifting a barbell overhead, set against a backdrop of bare trees and a clear blue sky. The figure's expression conveys determination, highlighting the theme of strength and perseverance.
  • A close-up of a bronze statue depicting a muscular figure holding a large, curved crossbar above his head. The background features a clear blue sky and bare trees, suggesting a serene outdoor setting. The statue conveys strength and determination.

Explore our grounds

You may also like

  1. Elisabeth Frink Standing Man 1984 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Standing Man

  2. Elisabeth Frink Protomartyr 1976 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: Protomartyr

    Protomartyr represents the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen, who provided food and aid to poor members of his community in Jerusalem.
  3. Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: In Memorium II

    Frink succeeds in capturing a sense of defiance with In Memoriam II as the features of the figure express great sadness but also a sense of dignity.
  4. Elisabeth Frink First Man 1964 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Elisabeth Frink: First Man

    Elisabeth Frink was interested in human and animal forms. She used the male figure to explore the complexities of humanity, exposing both strength and vulnerability, as with First Man.