Lot 83: LOUIS McCLELLAN POTTER (1873-1912)

`THE CALL OF THE SPIRIT', A BRONZE FIGURE OF AN INDIAN inscribed " Copyright 1907 Louis Potter No. 2, Roman Bronze Works N.Y. " and " THE CALL OF THE SPIRIT " 28 1/2 in. (72.3 cm.) high, greenish brown patina with some verdigris During the early years of this century, Louis Potter spent a great deal of time in Alaska. He was commissioned in 1905 by the Gorham Foundry to produce a series of sculptures entitled "The Spirit of Alaska". Potter worked on the project until his death in 1912, basing his subjects on the mystical legends of the Northwest Coast Indians as well as on his own experiences while living in the territory. Models from the series are known to have been cast by the Gorham Company and/or Roman Bronze Works. Some casts are inscribed with the mark of both firms.