Lot 193
Kennth Bunn (American, 1938-2020). Resting cat. Copper sculpture, n.d. Signed on tail. A charming copper sculpture of a resting cat by renowned American wildlife artist Kenneth Bunn (19382020), celebrated for his expressive, impressionist approach to animal forms. Here, the feline is captured in a moment of quiet repose, its body curled in a compact pose with softened contours and a gently alert gaze. Rendered in Bunn's signature style, the surface is richly textured with sculptural gesture, balancing anatomical suggestion with artistic abstraction. The cat's form is not overly defined but implied through rhythmic planes and spontaneous marks, a technique that invites the viewer to complete the figure in their own imagination. Signed on the tail, the sculpture rests atop a polished wooden plinth that enhances its warmth and intimacy. Bunn believed that spirit mattered more than strict accuracy - and in this piece, the essence of feline stillness and character is beautifully preserved in copper. Size: 3.5" L x 1.9" W x 1.7" H (8.9 cm x 4.8 cm x 4.3 cm); 2.25" H (5.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Purportedly, this piece was once accompanied by a note from the artist that read: "I donated the small cat model to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts back in the 90s as a fundraiser for the Broadway musical Cats."
Kenneth Bunn (1938-2020) was a distinguished American sculptor celebrated for his dynamic bronze representations of wildlife. Born in Denver, Colorado, Bunn's fascination with anatomy and the natural world began early. After high school, he audited anatomy classes at the University of Utah Medical School and apprenticed at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Under the mentorship of Hungarian taxidermist and sculptor Coloman Jonas, Bunn honed his understanding of animal forms, laying the groundwork for his future in sculpture.
Bunn's sculptures are renowned for capturing the essence and movement of animals with impressionistic surfaces that suggest life without relying on meticulous detail. His approach emphasized the spirit and vitality of his subjects, often portraying them in moments of poised action. He believed that "strict accuracy does not necessarily make a great sculpture," focusing instead on the implied motion and energy within each piece.
Throughout his career, Bunn's work was exhibited in numerous prestigious institutions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gilcrease Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, the Columbus Museum of Art, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the Denver Art Museum. He was an Academician of the National Academy of Design and a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society. Bunn's legacy endures through his evocative sculptures that continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Provenance: private Grand Junction, Colorado, USA collection
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#195133
- Condition: Signed on tail. In excellent overall condition.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
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