Huge terra cotta bronzed bust of Jim Thorpe. Large original bust measures approximately 16 x 14, has a bronze-like finish, and stands on a handsome 10 x 10 square base with a height of six inches, with a plaque affixed to the front which begins, “Jim Thorpe, Native American Indian, The Greatest Athlete of the Century.” Bust is signed in the mold by well-known Oklahoma artist Andrew M. Lester. This artistic bust bears a truly remarkable resemblance to this storied Native American athlete. Jim Thorpe was not only one of the greatest Olympians in history, but also a Major League Baseball player and founding player and member of the National Football League. The bronzed bust is accompanied by an impressive binder full of associated material, including correspondence between Raleigh DeGeer Amyx and artist Andrew Lester, with Lester answering an incredibly detailed four-page questionnaire from Mr. Amyx, filled out in detail by the artist, Andrew Lester, recounting his meeting with Thorpe, the techniques used in creating the bust, and information on his artistic career. Also included is correspondence between Mr. Amyx and Thorpe’s granddaughter Gail, as well as information on Lester, photos of the bust, and photos and photocopied newspaper articles on Thorpe’s major athletic accomplishments.
Created by Lester in 1976, the origin of this bronzed bust dates back to a meeting between the artist and Thorpe at Sears store in Oklahoma City in 1932. The violent weather outside prevented a large crowd, and Lester and Thorpe spent over two hours alone, with Thorpe saying at one point, ‘I know you will make a bust of me.’ The original bronze bust was made in 1972 for Lester’s one man show which debuted in 1976, and was later donated to the Miwok Mountain Tribe near Yosemite Park. The bust offered here was originally intended to be presented by Thorpe’s son, Carl Thorpe (who lived within one mile of Raleigh DeGeer Amyx and served President Ronald Reagan in the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington), to Speaker of the House Thomas ‘Tip’ O’Neill for permanent display in the US Capitol. However, Carl’s sudden death prevented the delivery of this original signed bust to the Capitol. A truly remarkable piece of art, complete with unparalleled provenance, which pays tribute to one of the greatest athletes of all time. This offering is deserving of a place in the most discriminating collection or institution.
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