William (1853) Couper Paintings & Artwork for Sale | William (1853) Couper Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 15, 2025
WILLIAM COUPER (AMERICAN 1853-1942)
Est: £800 - £1,200
WILLIAM COUPER (AMERICAN 1853-1942) CLASSICAL MAIDEN white marble, on shaped platform base, signed ‘Wm Couper FLORENCE’ 59cm high
Lyon & Turnbull
May. 11, 2024
WILLIAM COUPER (1853-1942)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
"Saint with Halo" marble 17 x 15 inches. signed Couper Florence. 24 x 21 1/2 inches
John McInnis Auctioneers
Jan. 06, 2024
Attr: William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Bust
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Attr: William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Carved Bust of Evangeline. Approx: 28"H x 18"L x 11"W. Very heavy. EF/B17
Joshua Kodner
Dec. 13, 2023
Evening
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
William Couper 1853 - 1942 Evening signed: Wm Couper / Florence white marble, in partially gilt and velvet covered wood frame marble: 46.5cm., 18¼in. diameter frame: 66cm., 26in. diameter
Sotheby's
Sep. 20, 2023
William Couper (American, 1853–1942) Bust of Evangeline
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Couper (American, 1853–1942) Bust of Evangeline Signed and located 'Wm Couper (underlined)/ Florence' on base verso, white marble with round marble base Height (without base): 18 in. (45.7cm) Height (with base): 22 in. (55.9cm) Provenance House sale, Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Acquired directly from the above circa 1990s. Property from the Estate of Angela Gross Folk, New Jersey. In overall good condition. The marble has slightly yellowed. With accumulated dust and dirt in the crevices of the work (see inside the folds of the cloth for example). No evidence of repairs or losses. A bit of rubbing on the back of the hair (associated with discoloration), as well as on her right shoulder, towards the back (see black streaks). With scratches underneath the round base. The bust is a bit wobbly when sat on the base. To request additional information or access to more images, please contact Specialist Raphael Chatroux at [email protected].
Freeman's | Hindman
Aug. 05, 2023
WILLIAM COUPER (AMERICAN, 1853-1942) MARBLE RELIEF
Est: $750 - $1,250
Description: This signed white marble plaque depicting a young boy playing the Cello. Mounted onto felted wooden base. It is signed Wm. Couper New York. This work entitled "TE DEUM LAUDAMUS (GOD, WE PRAISE YOU)." Condition: Minor surface wear associated with age and use, otherwise in overall good antique condition. Without any noticeable damage or repairs, appears to be without chips, breaks, or flaws that we could see from a visual inspection. Measurements: Sculpture itself is 4"D x 14"W x 17"T, backboard is 19.5"W x 24.5"L
East-Wing Estate Sales & Auction Co.
Feb. 27, 2022
WILLIAM COUPER (1853-1942) CARVED MARBLE BUST
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Carved white marble bust, "Evangeline," signed verso Wm Couper, Florence (William Couper, American, 1853-1942), dated 1882, on an integral socle, small chips along top edge of garment, approx 21.25"h Start Price: $800.00
Austin Auction Gallery
Jul. 09, 2021
WILLIAM COUPER (NY/MD, 1853-1942)
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Carrara Marble Allegorical Rondels of Night and Day with Cherubs, delicately carved, selectively polished, probably Italian, each signed at bottom "Wm Couper, Florence", 19 1/4" diam., with stepped mounting rim. 'Night' repaired at top, 'Day' is in very good condition with minor soiling.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Sep. 13, 2020
William Couper Italian Carved Marble Relief
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Italian marble roundel featuring putto on crescent moon carved in relief, etched signature "Wm Couper - Florence" to lower center. Roundel: 17.75" diameter; frame: 27" H x 26.75" W x 4.5" D.
Auctions at Showplace
Jun. 27, 2020
WILLIAM COUPER, CARVED MARBLE PLAQUE
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
WILLIAM COUPER (AMER, 1853-1942), CARVED MARBLE PLAQUE, H 21", L 14"A carved marble plaque by William Couper. Depicting the profile of a seated young girl. Artist's signature and "Florence L.H." to the lower right. Frame measures H 26.5" x L 21".
DuMouchelles
Dec. 06, 2018
WILLIAM A. COUPER (American, 1853 - 1942) "ROCKPORT HARBOR SCENE".
Est: $400 - $600
Artist: WILLIAM A. COUPER (American, 1853 - 1942) Condition: Slight bow to artist board. No damage, restoration or in painting. Frame: Molded painted wood Medium: Oil on artist board Signature: Lower left "Wm. A. Couper". Title: "ROCKPORT HARBOR SCENE" Work Size: 19-3/4" x 24" Condition: Item Dimensions: Framed: 25" x 28-3/4".
Morphy Auctions
Aug. 29, 2018
William A. Couper.
Est: $400 - $600
Slight bow to artist board. No damage, restoration or in painting. Overall very good.Dates: (American, 1853 - 1942).Frame: Molded Painted Wood.Medium: Oil on Artist Board.Signature: Lower Left "Wm. A. Couper".Title: "Rockport Harbor Scene". Condition: Dimensions: Framed : 25" x 28-3/4".
Morphy Auctions
Jan. 21, 2018
Wall relief bronze, William Couper
Est: $700 - $1,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942), Untitled (Profile of a Young Man), bronze wall relief, signed lower center, overall: 17"h x 15"w x .5"d
Clars Auctions
Jan. 21, 2018
Wall relief bronze, William Couper
Est: $700 - $1,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942), Untitled (Profile of a Lady), bronze wall relief, signed lower center, overall: 20.75"h x 14.5"w x .5"d
Clars Auctions
Dec. 17, 2017
WILLIAM COUPER MARBLE ROUNDEL RELIEF
Est: $500 - $700
WILLIAM COUPER (AMERICAN, 1852-1942), MARBLE ROUNDEL RELIEF, DIA 18 1/4":Framed and matted, measuring approximately H.25" x 25".
DuMouchelles
May. 13, 2017
William Couper, white marble bust
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942), "Evangeline", white marble, inscribed signature "Wm Couper", "Bellman & Ivey, London" studio mark, 17.5"h x 14.5"w (bust), 21.5"h (with revolving base)
Millea Bros Ltd
Oct. 05, 2016
William Couper,(1853-1942), a marble bust Evangeli
Est: £1,500 - £2,000
William Couper,(1853-1942), a marble bust Evangeline: wearing a rosary with crucifix, raised on a socle base, signed Wm. Couper, Florence, mounted on a polished marble column of plain design with square plinth, 168cm. high
Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood
Jun. 19, 2016
William Couper. Marble bust of a woman with lace shawl. Signed W. Couper on back bottom. Early exhibition tag illustrating bust as Lot 97. No base. 23-1/2" high x 19" wide.
Est: $800 - $1,500
William Couper. Marble bust of a woman with lace shawl. Signed W. Couper on back bottom. Early exhibition tag illustrating bust as Lot 97. No base. 23-1/2" high x 19" wide.
Tremont Auctions
Sep. 26, 2015
William Couper (American, 1853-1942) "Greek Maiden"
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Sgn. Wm. Couper. Pictured in "An American Sculptor on the Grand Tour: The Life and Works of William Couper (1853-1942)", page 69.
Cottone Auctions
Jun. 03, 2015
Marble Bust of Evangeline; Together with a Neoclassical Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Onyx Pedestal
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Marble Bust of Evangeline William Couper, Florence, last quarter of the 19th century The Acadian girl depicted in three-quarter profile with her head bowed down, her hair fixed into a chignon, dressed in a simple bodice and wearing a beaded rosary and crucifix, on a socle and circular gilt-bronze base. Height 22 3/4 inches; Together with a Neoclassical Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Onyx Pedestal. The square top above a tapering square standard continuing to a stepped base ending in winged lion paw feet, on a plinth. Height 44 inches, 13 inches square. William Couper (American, 1853-1942) conceived Evangeline as a subject in 1880. The model was exhibited along with other works by the artist during exhibitions held in London and Paris in 1885. A number of these busts were retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York City. C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Mar. 11, 2015
AN AMERICAN WHITE MARBLE FIGURE OF A NYMPH, ENTITLED 'THE COMING OF SPRING', ON PEDESTAL
Est: £70,000 - £100,000
AN AMERICAN WHITE MARBLE FIGURE OF A NYMPH, ENTITLED 'THE COMING OF SPRING', ON PEDESTAL BY WILLIAM COUPER (1853-1942), FLORENCE, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY Signed 'Wm Couper / Florence / It.', on later yellow scagliola pedestal 45 in. (114.5 cm.) high, the sculpture; 32 ¼ in. (82 cm.), the pedestal
Christie's
Jun. 08, 2014
WILLIAM COUPER, (AMERICAN 1853-1942), BUST OF MAIDEN WITH NECKLACE
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
WILLIAM COUPER (american 1853-1942)/span BUST OF MAIDEN WITH NECKLACE Signed & located 'WM Couper Florence I' on base, marble Height with socle: 20 1/2 in. (52.1cm) provenance: /spanPrivate Collection, New Jersey.
Freeman's | Hindman
May. 31, 2014
WILLIAM COUPER, (NY/MD, 1853-1942); Large Cameo Style Bas Relief Portrait of a Beautiful Woman, in white marble, signed at bottom edge,
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
WILLIAM COUPER, (NY/MD, 1853-1942); Large Cameo Style Bas Relief Portrait of a Beautiful Woman, in white marble, signed at bottom edge, mounted on black velvet backing, in modern gold frame. OS: 22 1/2" x 18 3/4". Small scratch in hair.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
May. 03, 2014
ATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM COUPER (VIRGINIA, 1853-1942), RELIEF CARVED MARBLE PLAQUE OF PUTTO ON CRESCENT MOON
Est: $400 - $600
ATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM COUPER (VIRGINIA, 1853-1942), RELIEF CARVED MARBLE PLAQUE OF PUTTO ON CRESCENT MOON framed- h:19.75 in. Provenance: Estates of Edward Plyler & Joseph Cipolari
Potomack Company
Nov. 23, 2013
William Couper (American/Norfolk, 1853-1942)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Couper (American/Norfolk, 1853-1942), "Evangeline", late 19th c., marble bust, unsigned, probably retailed by Tiffany & Co., New York, socle base, height 24 in
Neal Auction Company
Apr. 20, 2013
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942); Marble
Est: $3,500 - $4,500
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942); Marble sculpture, "Evangeline"; Inscribed signature; 61" x 16" x 12"
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Feb. 16, 2013
Couper, William [American.New York, 1853-1942]
Est: $100 - $200
Couper, William [American.New York, 1853-1942] cast plaster low intaglio of a woman's head signed l.l. "Wm. Couper". 16"x14.25"
Wiederseim Associates, Inc.
Jan. 12, 2013
William Couper (American, 1853-1942), Tennyson's Princess, 1882, Incised signature "Wm. Couper" on the base reverse., Condition: Minor
Est: $9,000 - $12,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Tennyson's Princess, 1882 Incised signature "Wm. Couper" on the base reverse. Carved Carrara marble, approximately 29 x 20 x 12 in. (73.7 x 50.8 x 30.5 cm), mounted to a carved marble socle and set upon a carved wood and velvet-upholstered column. Condition: Minor loss to base, minor surface imperfections. Provenance: Through a private Boston collection. N.B. The sculpture depicts Princess Ida, the central character of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 1847 poem, The Princess: A Medley. Ida believes that women are superior to men, and chooses to establish a women's college over accepting a prince's hand in marriage. Ida's headstrong independence is no match for fate, however, and through a comedy of errors, Ida marries the prince that she was betrothed to at birth. While the poem's ending was conventional for its time, it was still among the first to engage with the debate over equal rights for women in Britain, as championed by Mary Wollstonecraft in the late 18th century. Another example of this sculpture is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Skinner
Nov. 17, 2012
William Couper (American/Norfolk, 1853-1942)
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
William Couper (American/Norfolk, 1853-1942), "Evangeline", 1881, marble bust, signed and dated on rear truncation, height 21 1/4 in Starting Bid: $4000
Neal Auction Company
Sep. 07, 2012
William Couper (American, 1853-1942), Tennyson's Princess, 1882, Incised signature "Wm. Couper" on the base reverse., Condition: Minor
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Tennyson's Princess, 1882 Incised signature "Wm. Couper" on the base reverse. Carved Carrara marble, approximately 29 x 20 x 12 in. (73.7 x 50.8 x 30.5 cm), mounted to a carved marble socle and set upon a carved wood and velvet-upholstered column. Condition: Minor loss to base, minor surface imperfections. Provenance: Through a private Boston collection. N.B. The sculpture depicts Princess Ida, the central character of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 1847 poem, "The Princess: A Medley." Ida believes that women are superior to men, and chooses to establish a women's college over accepting a prince's hand in marriage. Ida's headstrong independence is no match for fate, however, and through a comedy of errors, Ida marries the prince that she was betrothed to at birth. While the poem's ending was conventional for its time, it was still among the first to engage with the debate over equal rights for women in Britain, as championed by Mary Wollstonecraft in the late 18th century. Another example of this sculpture is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Skinner
Apr. 21, 2012
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942)
Est: $3,500 - $4,500
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942); Marble bust, ''Evangeline,'' 19th/20th c.; Chips to marble on base; Signed Wm Couper - Florence; 22''
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Nov. 19, 2011
William Couper (American/Norfolk, 1853-1942)
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
William Couper (American/Norfolk, 1853-1942), "Evangeline", marble bust, dated and signed "1881-Wm. Couper-Florence" on rear truncation, height 21 1/4 in
Neal Auction Company
Sep. 10, 2011
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942); Marble bust,
Est: $3,500 - $4,500
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942); Marble bust, ''Evangeline'', 19th/20th c.; Chips to marble on base; Signed Wm Couper - Florence; 22''
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Aug. 05, 2011
WILLIAM COUPER, American, 1853-1942, "Te Deum Laudamus"., Plaster bust relief. Height 19". Width 15".
Est: $300 - $400
WILLIAM COUPER American, 1853-1942 "Te Deum Laudamus". Plaster bust relief of a young man in silhouette playing a cello. Marked "Wm Couper" lower left and "New York" lower right. Plaster bust relief. Height 19". Width 15".
Eldred's
Jun. 19, 2011
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942). EVANGELINE, signed. Carved white marble bust on an attached socle.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
WILLIAM COUPER (American, 1853-1942). EVANGELINE, signed. Carved white marble bust on an attached socle - Height: 20 in.
Sloans & Kenyon
Apr. 09, 2011
WILLIAM COUPER, American, 1853-1942, "Te Deum Laudamus"., Plaster bust relief. Height 19". Width 15".
Est: $500 - $1,000
WILLIAM COUPER American, 1853-1942 "Te Deum Laudamus". Plaster bust relief of a young man in silhouette playing a cello. Marked "Wm Couper" lower left and "New York" lower right. Plaster bust relief. Height 19". Width 15".
Eldred's
Sep. 13, 2009
WILLIAM COUPER (1853-1942): TE DEUM LAUDAMUS
Est: $500 - $700
Marble relief plaque, 19 3/4 x 15 x 3 3/4 in., signed, inscribed and titled, together with a plaster maquette of the same. Provenance: From Oldwalls, the home of sculptor Chester Beach.
STAIR
May. 19, 2009
William Couper: A carved white marble figure of
Est: £15,000 - £25,000
William Couper: A carved white marble figure of Psyche signed William Couper on associated marble pedestal 109cm.; 43ins, 183cm.; 72ins overall The American sculptor William Couper (1853-1942), a native of Virginia, was known for his serious, sympathetic studies of angels and other winged figures. He established a wide reputation in both Italy and America for his work, which included bas-reliefs, portrait busts, allegorical figures, and heroic statues. Lorado Taft stated Couper's angels "are not merely pretty, they are beautiful, radiant creations, gracefully conceived, carefully drawn, and exquisitely carved. Billows of realistic drapery provide an image that is even more winning on this account" (The History of American Sculpture, 1930). Five years before William Couper's birth, his father founded the Couper Marble Works behind the family home on the corner of Main and Granby Streets in Norfolk, Virginia. This firm specialized in importing and carving stone for construction and monuments. Succeeding generations of the family ran the business for 133 years (from 1848 to 1981). William often played in the marble works as a boy, watching the artisans create and carve works for sculptural display, experiences which had a profound impact on his life. William Couper received his first professional training in 1872 at the Cooper Art Institute in New York City. Then, in 1874, he went to Munich, Germany, attending both the Academy of Fine Arts and the Royal College of Surgery. He left for Italy the following year. In Florence, William Couper met many prominent artists, including Thomas Ball, Daniel Chester French, Joel T. Hart, Frank Duveneck, Julius Rolshoven, and the Hiram Powers family. William Couper became the pupil, and then the son-in-law, of noted Boston sculptor Thomas Ball (1819-1911). He specialized in portraiture and idealized statues and bas-reliefs. The Ball-Couper studios were a meeting place for local artists and musicians, as well as for the American and English residents of Florence. This Psyche is one of Couper's earliest winged statues, with small wings of almost botanical quality. A beautiful maiden is just about to open the vase which holds the gift of beauty from Persephone to Venus. She rests on one knee, her face reflecting doubt and curiosity as she invades the secret of the goddess. In 1885, Couper exhibited in Paris and London, taking along Psyche, Before the Scenes, Evangeline, Vision, the model for Coming Spring, and Princess. Copies were sold, of which this example is almost certainly one, and he arranged for an art dealer in London (probably Bellman & Ivey) to keep two medallions and a bust for display. Couper also shipped many of his statues to the United States, where they sold exclusively through Tiffany & Company, New York. In 1897 William Couper left Italy and returned with his family to America. He built a large home in Montclair, New Jersey, and opened a studio with Thomas Ball in New York City. Before his retirement he had executed more than a hundred and fifty works, including the heroic Confederate Soldier, the stately Moses atop the Appellate Court House in New York, a series of monuments for the National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and fourteen marble busts of scientists for the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Literature: William Couper: The Man Who Captured Angels by Greta Elena Couper.
Summers Place Auctions
Mar. 08, 2009
William Couper
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
William Couper American (1853-1942) EVANGELINE carved white marble, on pedestal, inscribed on verso H22" W15 1/2" D10 1/4" Provenance: Property from an Aiken, South Carolina private collector.
Charlton Hall
Sep. 13, 2008
William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Untitled;
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
William Couper (American, 1853-1942) Untitled; Marble (with base); Signed; 20" high, 24" with base; Provenance: Private Collection, Florida
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Jul. 10, 2008
William Couper (American 1853-1942): a relief carved marble roundel of a putto, late 19th century
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
William Couper (American 1853-1942): a relief carved marble roundel of a putto, late 19th century riding a cloud and holding aloft a cloth 46.5cm diameter excluding modern wood mount
Lyon & Turnbull
Jul. 14, 2007
Signed William Couper, Portrait, Bronze Plaque
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
William Couper (American, 1853-1942), Portrait of a Woman, bronze plaque, 17 3/4" x 13 1/2", signed 'William Couper Florence' LL. Oxidization to patina, otherwise good condition. A distinguished American sculptor, Couper exhibited at the Pan American Exposition in 1901.
Kaminski Auctions
Nov. 16, 2006
w - WILLIAM COUPER AMERICAN, 1853-1942
Est: £10,000 - £15,000
TENNYSON'S PRINCESS measurements note bust: 63.5cm., 25in. signed: Wm COUPER Florence white marble, on white marble socle (not illustrated) NOTE William Couper was born in Norfolk, Virginia. After his initial studies at the Cooper Institute in New York he travelled to Munich and Florence to continue his education. He settled in Florence, where he met a fellow American sculptor, Thomas Ball, and began working in his studio. Couper married Ball's daughter and stayed in Florence for twenty-two years before returning to America. In his Italian sojourn Couper was following in the footsteps of his compatriot Hiram Powers, and the present bust is reminiscent of Powers' own marble Proserpine sheathed in acanthus leaves and embodying Winckelmann's Neo-classical ideal of 'noble simplicity and calm grandeur.' However, Couper's inspiration came from contemporary rather than classical legend: his heroine is Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Princess. Another marble version of the model is in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC. The Princess; liker to the inhabitant Of some clear planet close upon the Sun, Than our man's earth; such eyes were in her head, And so much grace and power, breathing down From over her arched brows, with every turn Lived through her to the tips of her long hands, And to her feet The Princess, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1847, Canto II RELATED LITERATURE Opitz, p. 82; Craven, p.228
Sotheby's
Apr. 23, 2005
William A Couper oil on board
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
Wm A Couper, 1853-1942, Montclair, NJ., oil on board, labeled on the back "Fishermen Cutting Chum, Stonington Conn", 29" by 23" sight, framed.
The Cobbs
Nov. 09, 2004
w - A BUST OF A YOUNG GIRL, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, WHITE MARBLE
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
probably by William Couper, on an integral socle, weathered The present lot, although not signed, closely relates to a bust called 'Evangeline' by the American sculptor William Couper (1853-1942), see lot 32 Christie's East, January 12, 1999. The way in which the bodice is tied is different in the present lot, but the general modelling of the clothes, the angle of the head and the facial likeness of the sitter is the same.
Sotheby's
Sep. 29, 2004
WILLIAM COUPER 1853-1942
Est: $4,500 - $5,500
inscribed W Couper and Florence on the underside white marble on a white marble socle Condition Note: in fairly good condition; there are a few chipped areas --(1) on the underside in the back where the inscription is, there are a few chips--a small one just below the "C" in Couper and another one has almost erased the "ore" in Florence, (2) two large chips on bottom of pedestal; other than that, work is in generally good condition--could use a light cleaning as there is some soiling (dirt in crevices, etc.); a few scattered dents, nicks, most of them on her dress/bust area--her face is smooth We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Sotheby's
Jul. 13, 2004
w - A WHITE MARBLE BUST OF A GIRL, EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
probably by William Couper, on an integral socle, weathered The present lot, although not signed, is almost identical to a bust called 'Evangeline' by the American sculptor William Couper (1853-1942), see lot 32 Christie's East, January 12, 1999. The only difference in this example is that the bodice is tied with lattice stringing and not horizontal as is the case in the signed model. Born in Norfolk, Virgina, Couper acquired an early interest in sculpture after observing Italian craftsmen carving marble at his father's workshop. In 1872 Couper embarked on the Grand Tour. His passion for Italian culture meant that he was to stay there for twenty years, being accompanied by other well known American sculptors, such as Thomas Ball. Couper's portrayals of historical, literary and moral subjects are rooted in late 19th century romanticsm. The Norfolk Landmark in 1884 wrote: "Perhaps the highest praise we can give him is to say that to forms of great beauty, the beauty of health, and faultless anatomy, he adds lovely faces which are not Greek. Best of all, every conception he has embodied is pure and tender."
Sotheby's
May. 01, 2004
Couper, William [American 1853-1942]
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
large bronze relief profile of a mother and child titled "Labour" and signed "WmCouper"19"h
Wiederseim Associates, Inc.