Lot 252
John J. Scott (American, 1919-2016). "On Alert" silicon bronze, 1995. Inscribed with the artist's signature and ram symbol as well as the title of the piece and the edition number 1/15 on the front edge of the piece. Skillfully and meticulously cast via the lost wax process, "On Alert" demonstrates American sculptor John Scott's painstaking attention to the details of the mountain lion's anatomy as well as his ability to capture the transitory nature of this fleeting moment as the wild feline raises its head, perks up its ears, and seems poised to take off after its prey. What's more, Scott achieved an interesting effect by using his fingers when modeling the wax during the casting process to derive palpable textures on the intimidating cat's coat and its rocky habitat. Please note: this piece is from a limited edition (1/15) - the first of fifteen ever made by the artist. Size: 9.25" L x 14.5" W x 5.625" H (23.5 cm x 36.8 cm x 14.3 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.
John Scott was an American artist of Scottish heritage. He lived in a log cabin in the woods of Kittredge, Colorado that he built from the ground up and created sculptures and paintings inspired by the wildlife and scenery of Colorado and Wyoming. According to his wife Dorothy, "He was always working and always looking for something to throw himself into completely." Of note, John was immensely proud of his Scottish heritage, learned to play the bag pipes, and wore his Clan Scott tartan kilt. John was also an avid hunter of large game in Colorado and Wyoming as well as British Columbia and Alaska.
Not only did John build his log cabin which he called "Brig-O-Doon" - he also built and operated his own studio and foundry. John created his bronzes via the lost wax process, a method first used by the ancients. His technique involved 24 steps from the creation of the mold to pouring the hot bronze to welding the piece back together to the embellishing with finishing touches. Indeed, John's passion for his chosen profession was boundless; in his words, "Art is a monster that sweeps over me and it seems I never satisfy that creative spirit."
A little note on John Scott's signature ram symbol: Scott was greatly inspired by Charles Marion Russell whose emblem was a buffalo skull symbolizing his strong connection to the American West. Following in Russell's footsteps, Scott chose the ram as his symbol, because the Rocky Mountain bighorn ram with its massive curling horns is the state animal of his beloved Colorado. John Scott loved his homeland and his art has been exhibited throughout the American Southwest and beyond in reputable galleries of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and California.
Provenance: private John J. Scott Collection, Kittredge, Colorado, USA, acquired from the late John J. Scott
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#170198
- Condition: Bronze sculpture is excellent and presents with a beautiful patina. Wooden base has minor scuffs, stains, and one stable hairline fissure but is otherwise very nice. The sculpture is inscribed with the artist's signature and ram symbol as well as the title of the piece and the edition number 1/15 on the lower edge of the piece.
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