Atlas is the product of a collaboration between Lee Lawrie, who conceived and designed the figure, and Rene Paul Chambellan, who modeled the heroic-sized statue from his sketch. A Titan in Greek mythology, Atlas was condemned by Zeus to hold the heavens forever after the Titans' defeat in a war against the Olympic gods. He carries an armillary sphere rather than a solid globe because his punishment was to hold the sky, not the Earth. The statue is one of Rockefeller Center's greatest Art Deco icons, has appeared on U.S. postage stamps, and is free to view on the plaza at 630 Fifth Avenue. You can also learn more about Atlas’ story on the official Rockefeller Center Tour.