Watch the Birdy

This very small (lifesize) bronze sculpture is outside St Helen's Bishopgate. It is part of the same sculpture exhibition as this.

Roman Standard, 2005
Tracey Emin
Bronze
10 X 17cm from beak to tail, pole 357cm

Roman Standard is, in the words of Tracey Emin, a symbol of "hope,
faith and spirituality". Bearing none of the autocratic or militaristic
connotations of the traditional Roman Standard, this bird carries
with it associations of height, air and light. "Most public sculptures
are a symbol of power which I find oppressive and dark. I wanted
something that had a magic and an alchemy, something which
would appear and disappear and not dominate" says Tracey
Emin. This diminutive bird perched high above the ground
gently reminds us that strength is possessed by even seemingly
insignificant creatures.