Venus Statue

This 92-foot tall sparkling swirl is tucked away in the quiet courtyard of Trinity Place apartments on 8th street. It’s surrounded by other sculptures of gods and goddesses that are encased in marble. The centerpiece of the installation is only a few feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. The entire courtyard is entitled “C’era Una Volta” or translated to “Once Upon A Time.”

The city’s largest free standing sculpture and surrounding works were created by the British artist Lawerence Argent. His work is known for challenging the viewer to question the way in which visual forms are displayed in communal places. This public art installation consists of 18 individual pieces incorporating stone, metal, and glass. The works are meant to be representative of classical forms found throughout European plazas, utilizing modern technology and techniques. The Venus is said to be pigeon proof, because of its reflective surface.

The work was commissioned by the landlord of Trinity Place, Angelo Sangiacomo on May 18, 2017. The city of San Francisco asked that he donate 5 million dollars of public art in exchange for building privileges. The garden was dedicated to Sangiacomo, being christened Piazza Angelo. Sangiacomo passed away in December 2015. The rock sculpture in front and to the left of the stone table represents Sangiacomo and his wife.

Although the apartments are private, the courtyard is publicly accessible and created for visitors to enjoy.