15 Not-So-Famous Charging Bull Facts
Ashley | 04 - 04 - 2021
Updated: April 4, 2021 11:00 pm IST
Though the bull has become a significant tourist attraction in recent times, the charging bull history is a stellar representation of Wall Street in the form of guerilla art. The bull was a motivating Christmas gift from the sculptor to New Yorkers. But, residents took the bull to signify the high value of stocks generally termed as the “bull market” that eventually prompted the 1987 market crash.
Here are 15 not-so-famous charging bull facts curated for you.
1. How Much Does the Charging Bull Weigh?
The Wall Street bull weighs around 7100 lbs, approximately equal to 32000 kg, and is considered the heaviest statue on Wall Street.
2. How Tall Is the Bull?
The charging bull is 11ft tall and was dropped off from the back of a truck illegally.
3. Who Sculpted the Charging Bull?
Di Modica began sculpting as a teen in Florence and migrated to New York, drawn by the business opportunities available therein the 70’s. He gifted the bull to soothe the New Yorkers from the market crash.
4. How Much Did It Cost to Sculpt the Bull?
Arturo paid the entire cost of the bull out of his pocket as a token of thanks to America to accept him into the nation and provide him with a better life and career.
5. Where Was the Bull Sculpted?
Di Modica had set up his studio in the modern-day South of Houston Street colloquially known as SoHo. Where he began sculpting the bull in the year 1987, immediately after the market rash.
6. When Was the Bull Installed?
It took two years to sculpt the bull, and Di Modica decided it would make a good Christmas gift for New Yorkers after the past devastating events.
7. What Material Was Used to Sculpt the Bull?
The Charging bull is made of bronze that is a combination of copper and tin. The bull was so big that Di Modica had to mold each part separately and later weld it together.
8. What Art Type Does the Charging Bull Represent?
The bronze-casted bull is considered a form of guerilla art because the authorities did not commission the statue. It was a statue placed by an anonymous artist illegally.
9. The Bull Is the Universal Symbol of _____.
People don’t know the significance of the statue and think of it to be just a tourist attraction. A bull market represents a rising market. Thus, the bull is a universal symbol of the American stock market.
10. Where Was the Charging Bull Placed at First?
Di Modica dropped the statue in front of the New York Stock Exchange building on an early Christmas morning. The statue was impounded that very day.
11. Where Is the Bull Located Now?
The illegal bull statue was impounded on complaints received from individuals who felt mocked by the bull statue got reinstalled two days later after locals protested for keeping it.
12. Which Statue Was Placed Near the Charging Bull?
The fearless girl statue sculpted by Kristen Visbal was placed facing the bull and staring down at it. This was a woman’s day special initiative that created an awareness of the need to recruit more women.
13. People Rub the Charging Bull’s _____
Modern visitors have created a habit of rubbing the testicles of the charging bull for good luck and fertility in life.
14. Did Di Modica Sell the Bull?
In 2004, the sculptor put the Bowling Green bull for sale because the bull should never be moved from its current location. But, the bull was never sold, and Di Modica holds all rights.
15. What is the actual meaning of the charging bull?
Though the bull’s sudden appearance mocked few, everyone around the globe took a liking to the bull soon after. The bull represents optimism, strength, and an “I will bounce back attitude.”
