JAMES EARLE FRASER
United States, 1876-1953

"Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider" (1910)

Patinated bronze on polished black marble base | signed "FRASER (c)" under arm | modeled and copyrighted in 1910, cast circa 1920 | old gallery label for Graham in New York affixed to underside

Item # 404BCO21F 

A moving model that depicts Theodore Roosevelt as one of the 1250 members of the "Rough Riders", the First U.S. Volunteer Calvary Regiment during the Spanish-American War of 1898. An incredibly important model historically, an example of this sculpture is in the permanent collection of the White House (identification no. 3774) situated identically on the same black marble base. Another identical example is in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Insitute (acc. no. NPG.77.39). The Fraser Estate gifted four plaster examples of this bust to the Syracuse University Art Museum where they remain as part of the permanent collection.

A rare and incredibly fine example preserved in remarkable condition.

When selecting an artist to pose before, Auguste Saint-Gaudens had been Theodore Roosevelt's first choice. However, whether due to declining health as some sources note or because his fee of $ 5,000 was too high for the government to accept, Saint-Gaudens recommended James Earle Fraser as a worthy second choice in the project. This was a most fortuitous turn of events for Fraser and Roosevelt would be a figure he would continue to make many portraits of as the years progressed.

While Fraser intended this bust to be of Roosevelt as a Rough Rider, the Senate required that the bust be made in formal attire in order to better harmonize with the other examples already in the chamber. Instead he had to wait a few years for an ideal time to unveil his portrayal of Teddy as a Rough Rider, choosing the memorial on San Juan Hill at Santiago, de Cuba. He had the sculpture cast in two sizes starting around 1920, the larger roughly 20" H and the smaller 9 1/2" H. (Broder, p. 182-186)

Writing about the model held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery, the catalog text reads:

"The sittings took place in the East Room of the White House in the early mornings and again late in the afternoons. Roosevelt stated exactly how he wished to be modeled, without his spectacles and with his head thrown back. Fraser, however, soon discovered that Roosevelt's expression would be truer to life if he would wear his glasses, to which the President complied. Impressed by the forceful way in which Roosevelt leaned his head forward to make a point, Fraser next wanted to sculpt his subject in such a pose. "By George, that is good!" exclaimed the President when he saw the altered clay model. The Senate, however, rejected this bust, because it depicted Roosevelt dressed in his Rough Rider attire. Fraser did a second, less successful bust in marble for the Senate; he modeled Roosevelt according to his original wishes, and attired him in a Prince Albert coat. The bronze cast shown here was made in 1920, and preserves the spontaneity and vigor of Fraser's original interpretation."

James Earle Fraser (1876-1953) was a prominent American sculptor known for his significant contributions to public art and monumental sculptures. Born in Winona, Minnesota, Fraser developed an interest in sculpture at a young age, inspired by the frontier environment of the American Midwest. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and later at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Fraser's early career was marked by a focus on classical and historical themes. He gained national recognition with his sculpture "The End of the Trail" (1915), depicting a weary Native American warrior, which became one of his most famous works. Throughout his career, Fraser created numerous public monuments, including statues of prominent American figures and allegorical representations of American ideals. His works are characterized by a blend of realism and idealism, often capturing the spirit of American history and culture.

Fraser was also an influential teacher, serving as a professor of sculpture at the National Academy of Design in New York and the Art Students League of New York.

Artist Listings & Bibliography:

• Bronzes of the American West, Patricia Broder, p. 182-187, pl. 187
• The American West in Bronze, Tolles & Smith, 2013

Measurements: 12 1/4" H (total height with base), 9 7/8" H (bronze only) x 10 1/2" W x 5" D

Condition Report:
Exquisite original condition, exceptionally well-preserved. Marble with discoloration and cloudiness to the stone, very minor nicks to edges. Carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator-grade wax.