Son of Protagoras

Son of Protagoras is a large, looming figure painted by the famous French Graffiti artist MTO and can be found in Belfast, N. Ireland. The figure is located across the road from St Anne’s Cathedral. The angry gaze of the son of Protagoras is directed at cathedral, which can be seen through a gap in some buildings.

The figure cradles a dead dove that has been pirced by two arrows bearing the cross of the Knights of Malta and the Latin cross. The artist made this work as a comment on the conflict that once raged between Irish Catholic nationalists and the Protestant unionists. A conflict that was bound up in religious idenity.

The piece is rich with powerful symbolism. A dove - representing peace - has been killed by two arrows - representing the Protestant and Catholic sides of the divide. The son of Protagoras looks with anger at the Cathedral, which represents institutional religion.

Below is a video that allows you to explore the artwork by dragging your mouse across the screen. Below that is a picture of St Anne’s Cathedral.