Savagery in art in New York City, New York

The Eagles and Prey Monument, located at The Mall in New York City's Central Park, is a historic and unique work of art that dates back to 1850. This sculpture, depicting two eagles attacking a goat, was gifted to the Park by American millionaire Gordon W. Burnham in 1863. Created by French artist Christophe Fratin, known for his detailed sculptures of animals, Eagles and Prey is the oldest known piece of art on City parkland. The realism and savagery portrayed in the sculpture fascinated early Park visitors, who were drawn to the intricate anatomical details and the illusion of realism created by the surrounding plantings. Along with two other animal-themed sculptures in the Park, Eagles and Prey adds to the natural and rural atmosphere of Central Park, despite not being part of the original design.