Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17

Seal, 1930 by Rueben Nakian

About the Item

Reuben Nakian (American, 1897–1986) Title: Seal, 1930 Medium: bronze sculpture Movement: Modern Art Edition: Artist's Cast Dimensions: 7.5 inches deep x 14 inches wide x 17 inches high Weight: 27 pounds Signature: Signed 'Nakian' and Copyrighted Provenance: Another example of this sculpture is in the Whitney Museum of American Art, gifted by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. This exquisite bronze sculpture, Seal (1930), by the renowned American artist Reuben Nakian, exemplifies the modernist movement's embrace of fluid, organic forms. Nakian, known for his dynamic interpretations of classical themes, created this piece with a playful and elegant design featuring an associated ball, capturing the lively spirit of the animal. The sculpture is signed 'Nakian' and marked with a copyright, affirming its authenticity and the artist's direct involvement in its creation. Nakian was a prominent figure in American art, particularly noted for his relationships with influential artists of the time, such as Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning, Marsden Hartley, and Marcel Duchamp. His connection to these avant-garde circles is evident in the modern aesthetic and bold form of Seal. The sculpture's presence in the Whitney Museum of American Art, as part of the collection gifted by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, underscores its significance and Nakian's impact on the art world. His work gained significant recognition in the 1960s, particularly with a major retrospective curated by poet Frank O'Hara at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  This work not only offers collectors a tangible connection to Nakian's artistic legacy but also serves as a fine example of early 20th-century modern sculpture. Its compact yet commanding presence, combined with the artist's notable reputation and the work's prestigious provenance, makes Nakian's "Seal" not only a beautiful piece of art but also a testament to his enduring influence on American sculpture.
  • Creator:
    Reuben Nakian (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)Width: 14 in (35.56 cm)Depth: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1930
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: The ball of the seal is a replacement. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    West Palm Beach, FL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 4815 / SDHU5T25741stDibs: LU2592326579592

More From This Seller

View All
Meiji Bronze Fisherman Okimono, Sealed Masatsune Saku
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Bronze Fisherman Okimono, Sealed Masatsune saku Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) A fine and rare Meiji period bronze Okimono of a fisherman by Masatsune Saku, originating from Japan and crafted during the Meiji period (1868–1922). This exquisite piece is a notable example of the Tokyo School's artistry, dating to the late 19th century. The Okimono depicts a fisherman seated on a four-rung ladder, holding a bamboo fishing rod...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco / Moderne Hagenauer Style Silvered Dancing Figures, Germany, 1930s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco/Modern Hagenauer Style Silvered Dancing Figures,  Germany, 1930s A fine example of the Art Deco period is this exquisite Hagenauer-style silver...
Category

20th Century German Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Hubley Cast Iron Boxer / Boston Terrier 'Puppy Size' Doorstop, Circa 1930
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hubley Cast Iron Boxer / Boston Terrier 'Puppy Size' Doorstop, Circa 1930 An original Hubley cast iron Boxer/Boston Terrier 'Puppy Size' doorstop, circa 1930. This charming and rare...
Category

20th Century American Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

'Girl and Jumping Goat' by Paul Silvestre, Susse Freres Foundry, France, C 1925
By Paul Silvestre
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Girl and Jumping Goat' by Paul Silvestre, Susse Freres Foundry, France, circa 1925 This fine French Art Deco bronze sculpture, 'Girl and Jumping Goat' b...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Figurine of 'Mata Hari' by Capodimonte / Naples Porcelain Company
By Capodimonte
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Deco Figurine of 'Mata Hari' by Capodimonte / Naples Porcelain Company Italy, circa 1925 An exceptional work, displaying grace and movement, subtly hand- painted. The seductive turban and gold earring wearing dancer draped in a White and Iron-Red Moon and Star motif garment, on a tasseled pillow. Hence our Mata Hari, attribution/suggestion. The name Mata Hari, is a Malay expression for the sun. Literally meaning “eye of the day"/ dawn of the day' This exquisite figure, depicts the The dancer (Mata Hari ?) as the sun-wearing the moon and stars. Marked with the variation Blue underglaze Crown & N. In remarkable well cared for condition, some minor wear to the gilt. The figurine stands...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

“Angel”- Bronze by Frederick Hart 1992 #76/350
By Frederick Hart
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
“Angel"—Bronze by Frederick Hart, 1992, #76/350 "Angel" by Frederick Hart, created in 1992, is one of the most sought-after sculptures by this renowned American artist. This limited...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

You May Also Like

Ruben Nakian Bronze Figurine "Leda and the Swan" Limited Edition
By Reuben Nakian
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY “Leda and the Swan” is by Reuben Nakian (1897 - 1986). He was an American sculptor and teacher of Armenian extraction. His works’ recurring themes are from Greek and Roman mythology. Nakian’s small bronzes achieve majesty and power which are not dependent on size and amplitude. With characteristic freshness, he has reinterpreted the classical subject of Leda and the Swan refining it in the Classical-Renaissance-Baroque tradition in a contemporary way. Dr. Robert P. Metzger gives us his aesthetic interpretation of this work which retells the myth in classical hedonism and freedom of expression showing Leda and the Swann prior to her being ravaged and during their first meeting. “The young virgin is fascinated with her new found friend and accepts him in a spirit of playfulness, contentment and wonder. She is dreamily available and shyly seductive as the deceptively tame swan snuggles up to her with its phallic-like neck.” Leda appears composed, placid yet open and available as compared to her more intense and passionate states in other of Nakian’s depictions on the same theme. This was cast at the "Renaissance Art Foundry" in 1978 and is so marked on the base being #5 of 7. It is believed that “no other sculptor of the twentieth century matched Rueben’s heroic renditions with the grand themes of Western Art. His erotic mythological figures exude a joyous energy of gesture and movement which place them among seminal sculptural achievements of the past one hundred years.” Nakian studied at the Independent School of Art in New York City previously known as the Robert Henri School … with Homer Boss...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Seal Bookends Louis Albert Carvin France 1930
By Louis-Albert Carvin
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Nice pair of Art Deco seal bookends designed by the French artist Louis Albert Carvin, silvered white metal on a green marble base, France, 1930. “Anima...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal

Seal to Seal 'Seal' in Vienna Bronze Karl Cauba
Located in Marseille, FR
Bronze woman's head with golden patina, 36 cm high, 37 cm wide and 16 cm deep. Unsigned. Additional information: Material: Bronze.
Category

Mid-20th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Dannhauer swiss Art deco bronze circa 1930 representing moose signed and sealed.
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible DANNHAUER swiss art deco bronze circa 1930 representing moose.
Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

ART DECO table lamp seal sea lion sculpture lamp marble, 1930s
Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP
Art Deco sculpture table lamp - 1930s. This beautiful, original table lamp impresses with its simple and functional Art Deco design. The seal lamp provides ...
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Marble, Metal

Folk Art Sculpture of the Head of a Seal, South America, 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Folk Art sculpture of the head of a seal. South America 1930´s. The head is mounted over a brass base, as a way to exhibit it. The head has several crack as you can see on the pictur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Recently Viewed

View All