While in Europe, Manship rejected modern realism for the "spirit" of antiquity, drawing heavy inspiration from archaic Greek, Egyptian, and Assyrian art.

Upon his 1912 return to New York, he became an immediate sensation; his first exhibition sold out entirely. His signature style—characterized by stylized, rhythmic movement and mythological themes—bridged the gap between classical tradition and Art Deco. Over a fifty-year career, Manship produced more than 700 works, influencing countless illustrators and artists. Today, he is best remembered for his monumental Prometheus fountain at Rockefeller Center, an enduring symbol of American sculpture.