World Treasures: Important Russian, Asian, European & American Works
June 3rd & 4th, 2014
auction closed
Day One - Lots 1-534
Day Two - Lots 535-1136


 
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LOT 465
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Lot 465
IVAN MEŠTROVIĆ (Croatian 1883-1962)
Socrates and His Disciples-1953
Bronze with dark patina
Unmarked, which is typical of many of Mestrovic sculptures
17.5 inches x 29 inches (44.4 x 73.7 cm)
Estimate:  $7,500 - 10,000   € 5,250 - 7,000
Price Realized: $21,250.00

Reference: IVAN MESTROVIC, Sculptor and Patriot, Laurence Schmeckebier, Syracuse University Press, 1959, pl.182 (Syracuse bronze illustrated)

According to Schmeckebier, this image represents "One of several preliminary studies for a proposed monument to the classical philosopher and teacher for the Syracuse University campus but never carried out." It is likely that this example represents the only other cast of this monumental bronze study.

Provenance:
Ivan Mestrovic
Private Collection, Chicago, IL (acquired from above, 1950's)
Private Collection, Chicago, IL (by descent)



Internationally renowned as one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century, Ivan Meštrović chiefly worked in marble, wood and bronze with much of his work strongly influenced by Greek classical styles, such as the offered lot. Meštrović was born in the remote village of Vrpolje, Croatia in 1883 where his talent for sculpture was recognized from a young age. At the age of sixteen Meštrović was apprenticed to a stonecutter—his raw talent garnered attention and he attended the Vienna Art Academy where he flourished and began exhibiting works with the Vienna Succession. He would also become good friends with French sculptor Auguste Rodin at the academy.

In 1911, Meštrović exhibited in Rome where he won the first place award for sculpture and critics called him the greatest sculptor since the Renaissance. He skyrocketed to international fame with many of his “best works possessing a rough, almost primitive, quality designed to dominate the viewer. Within this context, Meštrović interjected classical components of Greek art.”1

In the 1920s, Meštrović exhibited in 18 museums in the United States and Canada. His bronze equestrian statues titled Indians were also installed in Grant Park in Chicago. In 1947, he became the first living artist to have an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Meštrović lived in time of turmoil, living through the Russian Revolution, the Balkan War and both World Wars which greatly affected his art. Due to these influences Meštrović’s style changed several times, including when he was briefly imprisoned during WWII during which Meštrović began a close examination of human suffering and the devout Catholic turned to the Bible for artistic guidance. Much of his later works carried religious or patriotic themes.

After experiencing many wars, Meštrović moved to the United States. He later began teaching at Notre Dame University. He taught at the University until his death in 1962. Meštrović not only became a world-famous sculptor, but he is now recognized as the artist who brought East European art to the West.


All items are sold “AS IS” and there will be no returns based on condition. The items sold are often of considerable age and will exhibit wear, usage and damage often not listed in the catalog entry. The absence of condition remarks in the catalog entry DOES NOT mean the item is in perfect condition. Prospective buyers are in ALL CASES responsible for determining the physical condition of lots. No employee or agent of Jackson's International Auctioneers and Appraisers is authorized to make on our behalf or on that of the consignor any representation or warranty, oral or written, with respect to any property. Therefore, if a prospective bidder has not examined the property to their satisfaction before the sale, or his/her agent has not inspected the property, Jackson's recommends that they not bid on the property. All dimensions are approximate. The condition of frames is not guaranteed.