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Rare Bronze Plaque Celebrating Penn Relays with Male Nudes, by Tait McKenzie

$3,950
£3,019.99
€3,478.41
CA$5,535.16
A$6,179.49
CHF 3,237.96
MX$75,642.98
NOK 41,122.10
SEK 38,772.92
DKK 25,959.75

About the Item

Large and rare, this bronze bas relief plaque was created by the world's leading sculptor of young athletes for the University of Pennsylvania's Relay Carnival, now known as the Penn Relays, a prestigious track and field event for college athletes across America. It depicts four nude youths receiving the victory laurel from a seated Benjamin Franklin, founder of the university. Robert Tait McKenzie modeled the athletes in 1925 after four celebrated University runners, three of whom were also Olympic champions. This piece showcases McKenzie's skillful modeling of the human figure, and maintains an unusually gorgeous, ruddy-brown finish, as well as its original beveled walnut plaque. Modeled in 1925, this example is an especially early example, dating from 1938.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 13 in (33.02 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1925-1938
  • Condition:
    Overall excellent condition; minor scuffs to walnut and bronze patina.
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU865114133301

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