Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of “Four Horsemen of Apocalypse” by Lee Lawrie

Name: Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of “Four Horsemen of Apocalypse” by Lee Lawrie
Brand: Roman Bronze Works
Rating: 4.9 (42 reviews)

$17,500List Price

About the Item

Born in Rixdorf, Germany on October 16th of 1877, Lee Oscar Lawrie came to the United States to live in Chicago at the age of 5. He began working as a sculptor at the early age of 14, serving as an assistant to numerous professional sculptors and ultimately studied under Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Martiny. He would go on to work with some of the most influential architectural sculptors of the 20th century and established himself as a major exponent of Modernism by the late 1920s. His first major commission was the Nebraska State Capitol Building (1922-32) in Lincoln, Nebraska under retainer by architect Bertram G. Goodhue. He became well known for his innovations in flying buttress sculpture for decorative architecture and is perhaps most widely recognized for his monumental public commission of Atlas (1937) that stands prominently before New York City's Rockefeller Center. He was active in mixing architecture with sculpture, often in collaboration with other sculptors and architects; the sheer breadth of his chosen material is admirable, from bas-relief, free-standing statuary, bronze figural work and wooden frescoes. He had a comfort level with the Gothic-style that permeates his work, but his imagination was far-reaching, encompassing the Modernist, the Neoclassical, the Romantic and the Biblical in his subject matter. He would go on to execute numerous public commissions in the full Modernist taste of decoration, including the Church of Heavenly Rest in New York, the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., the Education Building of Soldiers and Sailors' Memorial Bridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Saint Thomas Church of New York and Westpoint Academy. From 1910-12 he served as an instructor in sculpture at Harvard University and was appointed to instructor in the Yale Fine Arts Department where he taught from 1908 through 1918. He was an associate of the National Academy of Design and he served as President of the National Sculpture Society. His acceptance of Metro's commission is unusual, as he firmly believed art should be accessible to the broader public and not only available for private display; but his fondness for his student, Rex Ingram, coupled with the moving subject matter of the film led him to sculpt the Horsemen. Metro bought rights to produce a film based on the bestselling novel The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Vincente Blasco Ibanez, a multigenerational antiwar epic. Rex Ingram directed the film and would be dubbed by the press "the sculptor of the screen", paying homage to his background as a sculptor during his studies under Lee Lawrie at Yale. As a ground-breaking success, the film was critically acclaimed and became the highest grossing film of the year at over $ 4 million. Metro commissioned Lee as Rex's former teacher and mentor to sculpt The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and to exhibit this work at the premier while using images of the sculpture in the press. The Madison Capital Times Newspaper contemporaneously writes about the sculpture in their June 7th edition of 1922: "Inspired by the Rex Ingram production of the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalpyse now showing at the Grand, Lee Lawrie, one of the most prominent of American sculptors, recently designed a group statue in bronze of the famous riders of the Apocalypse, as a result of witnessing Metro's picturization of the Ibanez' internationally famous novel... Both director and sculptor have been friends for many years, their acquaintance dating from the time when Mr. Ingram was a pupil of Mr. Lawrie at Yale University where the latter was a teacher of sculpture. Mr. Lawrie's study of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse represents the grim horsemen riding madly over the top of a cathedral and each one of the figures, including War, Conquest, Famine and Death, was modeled with gruesome fidelity to the conception of the mythical riders" The work was cast exclusively by Roman Bronze Works of New York. The work represents Lee Lawrie's golden years of achievement, namely 1920-1935. It is a scarce and fine work. Lawrie's ability to handle the subject is breathtaking, as the figures degenerate gradually from the kingly figure of War through the final Ignominious Death; note also the mounts, each slowly diminishing in strength through the nearly skeletal representation of the final horse as they soar over a Gothic cathedral. Measurements: 24" H x 23" W x 9 1/2" D Literature: -Bronzes: Sculptors and Founders 1800-1930, Vol. III, Harold Berman, 1977, p.677, f. 2491 -E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. VIII, Gründ, 2006, p. 574 -Dictionary of American Sculptors: 18th Century to the Present, Glenn B. Opitz, 1984, p. 234 -American Art Deco, Alastair Duncan, 1986 -Mantle Fielding's Dictionary of American Painters, Sculptors & Engravers, 1984, p. 551 Prior sales records: A cast by Roman Bronze Works at 24" H was offered at Freeman's in Philadelphia on October 6, 2009 as lot 973, achieving $ 18,750 against an estimate of $ 15-25,000.

Creator:
Roman Bronze Works (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 20th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Fine original condition with no observed flaws.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 902RPC02W | Silla, ltd.1stDibs: LU1059013825231

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of Adam and Eve by Lee Lawrie, signed LAWRIE 25

$32,000

H 24.4 in W 33.5 in D 16 in

Art Deco Egyptian Underworld God Anubis by Roman Bronze Works, Ca. 1930s

By Roman Bronze Works

Located in New York, NY

American Art Deco Roman Bronze Works, New York Anubis Patinated Bronze Circa 1920s DIMENSIONS Height: 34 in (86.36 cm) Width: 17 in (43.18 cm) Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm) ABOUT An Art Dec...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Egyptian Underworld God Anubis by Roman Bronze Works, Ca. 1930s

$8,900

H 34 in W 17 in D 3 in

American Modernist Roman Bronze Works Sculpture of a Gazelle by Walter Rotan

By Roman Bronze Works, Walter Rotan

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A superb Modernist model of a Gazelle by Walter Rotan (1912-2001) with a very dark verdigris patina. Cast at the Roman Bronze Works in the 1930s or 1940s. The bronze is stamped Roman Bronze Corp. NY to the reverse and bears an integral signature in the plinth. Rotan was an important 20th century American sculptor. A student of Albert Laessle, Rotan's work is held in public and private collections throughout the country. During his lifetime, his work was exhibited in the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Art. A similar gazelle is incorporated into his sculpture installed at Brookgreen Gardens. References include Beartrice Gilman Proske's 1968 book...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

American Modernist Roman Bronze Works Sculpture of a Gazelle by Walter Rotan

$6,800

H 8.25 in W 8.5 in D 4.75 in

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of Bacchantes by L. Dolapehier

By L. Dolapehier

Located in Water Mill, NY

Art Deco bronze sculpture by L. Dolapehier on a dark green marble base.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of Bacchantes by L. Dolapehier

$6,800

H 18.5 in W 15 in D 9.25 in

Signed A. Lee Pair of Bronze Sculptures

Located in Toronto, ON

I love this pair/duo of twisted black and brass coloured vintage bronze sculptures on black acrylic bases, signed A.Lee. A strong simple and modern combination for an eye catching ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Signed A. Lee Pair of Bronze Sculptures

$1,200

H 18 in W 3 in D 2.5 in

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture by Tereszczuk

By Peter Tereszczuk

Located in Water Mill, NY

Art Deco bronze sculpture of dancers on a marble base made into lamp signed Tereszczuk.

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture by Tereszczuk

$2,800

H 10.5 in Dm 4.2 in

Art Deco Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Woman by Rochlitz

Located in London, GB

Art Deco gilt bronze sculpture of a woman by Rochlitz Continental, c. 1920 Measures: Height 30.5cm, width 16cm, depth 13cm This fine g...

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Art Deco Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Woman by Rochlitz

$3,405

H 12.01 in W 6.3 in D 5.12 in

Becquerel Art Deco Bronze Sculpture

By André Vincent Becquerel

Located in NANTES, FR

Art Deco sculpture in silvered bronze bird on branch of vines. The whole thing is on a black marble base (surfin from Belgium). Signed Bacquerel and stamped "bronze". Note two shine...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Becquerel Art Deco Bronze Sculpture

$2,334

H 8.86 in W 11.03 in D 3.94 in

Art Deco bronze sculpture of a panther by Rulas France 1930

By Rulas

Located in Antwerp, BE

Art Deco bronze sculpture of a panther signed Rulas. Bronze gold patina, on a Belgian Black base. Signed and marked Bronze. Ca. 1930

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Art Deco bronze sculpture of a panther by Rulas France 1930

$6,313

H 8.67 in W 25.6 in D 5.12 in

20th Century Bronze Four Horsemen By Charlotte Dunwiddie, Signed Dunwiddie 1980

Located in Stamford, CT

Late 20th Century bronze of four horsemen, I believe to be the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The sculpture is signed and dated Dunwiddie 1980. Charlotte Dunwiddie was born in Strasbourg France...

Category

Late 20th Century Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Bronze Four Horsemen By Charlotte Dunwiddie, Signed Dunwiddie 1980

$6,950

H 21.5 in W 18 in D 23 in

More From This Seller

View All

Rare Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “Mischievous” by Paul Philippe

Located in Shippensburg, PA

An exquisite and rare example of Paul Philippe's Mischievous finished in a brilliant polychromed gilt, the young woman grabs her reddish-brown hair in hand while looking off into the corner with a sly look in her eyes that suggests she holds a secret that we will never know. The base signature is captured directly from the mold. Situated over its original faceted base. A very fine work. ARTIST Born in Thorn in Poland in 1870, Paul Philippe studied under Antonin Larroux at the École des Beaux-Arts after moving to Paris, France around 1900. He exhibited extensively at all of the major French salons and developed his own voice in sculpture by focusing his ouevre around the movement of the female body, often depicting exotic models in highly theatrical poses with a loose adherence to realism in his idealized visions. He walked a fine line between Art Nouveau and Art Deco while his figures do tend towards the latter. He executed figures in bronze and chryselephantine and worked with some of the best foundries in France and Germany. Many examples of his work are held in the Art Deco Museum in Moscow, Russia. Artist Listings...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rare Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “Mischievous” by Paul Philippe

$6,800

French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of a Warrior by Ernest Diosi, circa 1940

Located in Shippensburg, PA

An incredibly powerful Art Deco figure of a Standing Warrior poised for battle, he is a picture of sheer determination and will. Wind blows his hair behind him as every muscle in his...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of a Warrior by Ernest Diosi, circa 1940

$5,900

Art Deco Period Bronze Sculpture “Flute Player” by Paul Philippe

Located in Shippensburg, PA

An exquisitely cast example of Paul Philippe's The Flute Player, it was cast circa 1920 and features a wonderful allover gilt and pigment polychromed ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Art Deco Period Bronze Sculpture “Flute Player” by Paul Philippe

$6,600

Austrian Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of Dancing Girl by Josef Lorenzl, circa 1920s

By Josef Lorenzl

Located in Shippensburg, PA

An exquisite cast of a dancer by Josef Lorenzl and executed in Vienna, Austria circa the 1920s, this inordinately fine model features crisp features, intricate garment work and a wonderful overall green cold-painted surface. It is situated over an original onyx plinth...

Category

20th Century Austrian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Austrian Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of Dancing Girl by Josef Lorenzl, circa 1920s

$3,250

Finely Cast French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “Playtime” by Marcel Bouraine

By Marcel-André Bouraine

Located in Shippensburg, PA

MARCEL-ANDRÉ BOURAINE French, active 1918-1935 "Playtime" Lost-wax cast and verde patinated bronze signed in cast "M. BOURAINE", the base edge "Susse Frs. Edts Paris", "cire purdu...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Finely Cast French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture “Playtime” by Marcel Bouraine

$5,950

French Art Deco Silvered Bronze Sculpture “Woman w/ Bird” by Armand Godard

By Armand Godard

Located in Shippensburg, PA

An exquisitely cast example of Armand Godard's Seated Woman Holding a Bird circa 1930, it is a silky smooth cast of the highest quality with hand-hammered and beautifully chiseled te...

Category