No, it's not an attraction for a steakhouse. I actually did hear a woman say, "What is that thing for?" in a Southern accent.
Well, m'lady, it is the Charging Bull. Sometimes called the Wall Street Bull. This is a 7,000 pound bronze statue created by Arturo Di Modica that represents the competitive and aggressive Stock Market. Or, as I like to see it as, how many Americans feel about their money! It has been reported that Di Modica was inspired by the 1987 stock market crash when he created the sculpture to symbolize American's strength and power.
Di Modica spent his own money ($360,00!) for his creation, and when finished it was brought to Lower Manhattan and placed in front of the New York Stock Exchange. On www.wikipedia.com, it is said that it was meant to be a "Christmas gift to the people of New York."
Soon after its placement, the bull was taken by the NYPD and thrown into an impound lot. This action angered many New Yorkers and art lovers, so the bull was set a few blocks from its orginal location in the plaza at Bowling Green. It is impossible to miss from any direction!
The sculpture is one of the most photographed pieces of art in the city and is of extreme importance to the Financial District.
