Lot 1595: 1899 Bronze Portrait Bust of George Washington

1899 Bronze Portrait Bust of George Washington by MacDonald after Houdon

A scarce and especially compelling neo-classical bust of Washington by American sculptor James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (1824-1908). MacDonald was born in Ohio but worked in New York City for most of his career. He is best known for the magnificent bronze statue of General George Armstrong Custer, made from the melting of twenty bronze cannon,  that has graced the United States Military Academy at West Point since 1879. MacDonald took this subject from the famous life portrait bust modeled at Mount Vernon by French master Jean Antoine Houdon in 1785. Inscribed with "Copyright 1899," dedication, artist's monogram and signature. Fine original condition with rich brown patina. Height 9-1/4".