ALEXANDER PHIMISTER PROCTOR
American, 1862-1950

"Fawn" (1893)

Cast circa 1900; signed "A.P. Proctor 1893", "Copy RT 95"

6 5/8" H x 7 3/4" W x 3" D

Alexander Phimister Proctor's first model of a newborn white-tailed deer in 1887 titled Fawn (First Model) was inspired by his observations of the animal in the Central Park Zoo (at the time called the Central Park Menagerie) in New York City [see Christies, Sale 16470, lot 106 for an example of this first model]. It drew significant attention and marked a turning point in his career, leading to his first major public commission. He completely reworked that model while in Paris, completing Fawn towards the end of the year in 1893, the result being an inordinately sensitive first look at this timid newborn with ears drawn back and head lowered for balance while finding unsteady footing. The juxtaposition of his wild and unrestrained hunt scenes against such a fragile subject gives evidence of Proctor's sheer range of ability. His ability to translate nature devoid of projected sentimentality elevated him to among the greatest animal and western sculptors of his day.

The present example is finished in a rich and complex brown patina with traces of reds and blacks. The base is signed A.P. Proctor and dated for when it was initially modeled, 1893. It is noted "Copy Rt 95" on the corner.

Notable examples:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art, acc. no. 12.53
• The Brooklyn Museum of Art, acc. no. 13.1089
• Buffalo Bill Center of the West, acc. no. 4.08.9

Condition Report: Some rubbing wear to original patina, old oxidized scratches to rear hip and leg, brighter spot to fawn's neck. Carefully cleaned and sealed in wax. A fine presentation.

ref. 603PPT23A