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"Down for the Count, " Extraordinary, Rare Bronze w/ Nude Male Boxers by Howard

$35,000
£27,043.57
€31,264.92
CA$49,457.53
A$55,469.91
CHF 29,048.73
MX$674,013.50
NOK 368,870.25
SEK 349,714.99
DKK 233,376.26

About the Item

One of the most celebrated figural sculptures of the 20th century, and one of the finest depictions of the male figure from the 1920s and 30s, this extremely rare bronze by Cecil de Blaquiere Howard depicts two boxers, one triumphant and one defeated, in the heat of the match. Each of the two nudes is beautifully captured in a scene that is compact and complex, with the standing figure stepping over and around the fallen figure below. The sculpture is depicting a dramatic moment in the boxing ring, but it is also presenting two male figures at their peak of physical perfection. Howard was born in Canada, brought up in America, and trained under sculptors such as James Fraser, but spent much of his creative life in France. He exhibited in the famous Armory Show of 1913 in New York City, which introduced modern art to America. Over the length of his career, he focused on the nude, both female and male. His male figures are often shown in the midst of athletic endeavor, but this large and dramatic sculpture is among his rarest. This sculpture is probably the same example sold at Sotheby's in 1996. It is not signed, but shows the Valsuani foundry mark.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 23.75 in (60.33 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Depth: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1935
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU865127457792

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