262
Marble Bust by Nathan Flint Baker (b. 1822),
Currency:USD
Category:Antiques
Start Price:10.00 USD
Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
SOLD
3,750.00USDto floor + buyer's premium (656.25)
This item SOLD at 2009 Jun 06 @ 13:32UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
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American, mid-19th century, carved marble bust of a woman. Stylistically Roman, with simple, elegant curves and a slight tilt of the head. Signed on verso in large Classical print, N.F. Baker., with combed back and original marble base; 23.25" high (including base).
This is the first example by Cincinnati sculptor Nathan Flint Baker (1822-1891) offered by Cowan's Auctions, and almost certainly the first example to surface in recent years.
Little is known about Baker's life and activities, due in part to his extensive travels. The son of wealthy real estate magnate John Baker, Nathan Flint seems to have had little sense of urgency and even less sense of direction as an artist. Baker's family connections lead him to Nicholas Longworth, the well-known Ohio congressman and Cincinnati art patron. With Longworth’s help, Baker traveled to Rome in 1842 to study with Hiram Powers, renowned American neoclassical sculptor and expatriate. Powers' Florentine studio served as a haven for numerous budding Cincinnati sculptors, and Baker trained there, completing his first significant works in marble. The work represented here shows clearly Powers' influence, both in form and classical simplicity.
From the time of Baker's departure for Italy and onward, only scattered bits of information are known of the artist. Baker traveled extensively, occasionally returning to Cincinnati to exhibit works, most notably a bust of John James Audubon at the National Academy of Design in 1847. He also executed a massive statue of Cincinnatus, which is no longer in existence.
Baker's independent wealth must have afforded him many opportunities, and this may explain his propensity for abruptly abandoning some efforts. An occasional interest was photography, as evidenced by an extraordinary trip with friend and photographer Leavitt Hunt (1831-1907). It resulted in the pair being credited with the first significant photographic images of the Middle East. Using the wax paper process (quickly learned and practiced in Rome prior to the journey), Baker and Hunt traveled throughout the Middle East and North Africa between 1851-52, producing 60 negatives. They returned to Paris and could not properly market the images. Back in the United States, Baker attempted, unsuccessfully, to distribute the images through a New York dealer. These pioneering images, like Baker's sculptural work, are obscure and rarely surfaces today.
Baker returned to Cincinnati permanently in 1873, and continued his sculptural work until his death in 1891.
Two possibilities suggest the identity of the bust: The subject could be an idealistic study of Egeria, executed during Baker's first trip to Italy and likely completed under the tutelage of Hiram Powers. Baker would have been a young artist and heavily influenced by the well-established sculptor. A second, full length version of the same subject exists today in Spring Grove Cemetery and was executed during the same period.
A second possibility is another documented classical bust entitled Stella, Bust of a Roman Girl, exhibited at the 1872 Cincinnati Industrial Exposition. Unfortunately, the marble is only listed, and no image, no size or visual documentation of the bust could be found.
Condition: Very small split to back, another to base, some minor blemishes and darkened in some areas.
Provenance:
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Thursday, June 4, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Friday, June 5, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
Saturday, June 6, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
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Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
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