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James Wilson Alexander Macdonald Sold at Auction Prices

Sculptor, Painter, b. 1824 - d. 1908

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    • James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828)
      Oct. 04, 2023

      James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828)

      Est: $1,500 - $2,500

      James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828) Bust of George Washington cast and painted plaster with foundry mark of the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., New York to reverse, along with cast artist signature, date, and certification: New York City, N.Y. I hereby certify and solemnly swear that the Bust upon which this certificate appears is a perfect reproduction of the Life-Cast Bust of Washington, cast and molded from life at Mount Vernon, Va. in the year 1785, by the eminent French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon (see Washington's Diary, Oct. 12th, 1785). The original Life-Cast Bust is now owned by Miss Belle A. MacDonald of New York City. -Wilson MacDonald, Sculptor, with cast notary seal and signature of T.B. Wakeman. Height 18 inches. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Provenance: By repute, descended in the MacDonald family, possibly via Belle A. MacDonald, daughter of the artist; thence acquired by the present owner. James Wilson Alexander MacDonald was born in Steubenville, Ohio in 1824. He relocated in 1844 to Saint Louis, where he began his study of fine art, and by 1865, he had moved to New York and established himself as a prominent sculptor of political figures from American history. By the time of his death in 1908 in Yonkers, Westchester County, New York, he was known as "America's oldest sculptor." MacDonald's two daughters from his first marriage to Sarah Ada Westbrook MacDonald (1832-1883) both lived in Westchester County, too, immediately following the death of their father. The "Miss Belle A. MacDonald" from the artist's certification refers to his younger daughter Belle MacDonald (born circa 1867). Her older sister, Corinne Eugenia Knickerbocker Johnson (1832-1940), had moved to Woodbridge, New Jersey by 1930 according to the United States Federal Census from that year, but the scant historical record for Belle suggests that she lived in Westchester County long-term. The consignor of this bust relates that it was acquired from descendants of the artist still living in Westchester County. If Belle retained the original life-cast of Washington from Mount Vernon, it is possible that this example, likely an early plaster cast for subsequent iterations in bronze, was also in her possession. The Henry-Bonnard Company specialized in the sand-casting method for bronze sculpture, wherein a negative mold is first obtained from a plaster cast of the artist's original model. Existing examples of this bust in bronze bear the same certification seen here, along with the Henry-Bonnard foundry mark.

      Hindman
    • James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828)
      Mar. 30, 2023

      James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828)

      Est: $3,000 - $5,000

      James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828) Bust of George Washington cast and painted plaster with foundry mark of the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., New York to reverse, along with cast artist signature, date, and certification: New York City, N.Y. I hereby certify and solemnly swear that the Bust upon which this certificate appears is a perfect reproduction of the Life-Cast Bust of Washington, cast and molded from life at Mount Vernon, Va. in the year 1785, by the eminent French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon (see Washington's Diary, Oct. 12th, 1785). The original Life-Cast Bust is now owned by Miss Belle A. MacDonald of New York City. -Wilson MacDonald, Sculptor, with cast notary seal and signature of T.B. Wakeman. Height 18 inches. This lot is located in Cincinnati. Provenance: By repute, descended in the MacDonald family, possibly via Belle A. MacDonald, daughter of the artist; thence acquired by the present owner. James Wilson Alexander MacDonald was born in Steubenville, Ohio in 1824. He relocated in 1844 to Saint Louis, where he began his study of fine art, and by 1865, he had moved to New York and established himself as a prominent sculptor of political figures from American history. By the time of his death in 1908 in Yonkers, Westchester County, New York, he was known as "America's oldest sculptor." MacDonald's two daughters from his first marriage to Sarah Ada Westbrook MacDonald (1832-1883) both lived in Westchester County, too, immediately following the death of their father. The "Miss Belle A. MacDonald" from the artist's certification refers to his younger daughter Belle MacDonald (born circa 1867). Her older sister, Corinne Eugenia Knickerbocker Johnson (1832-1940), had moved to Woodbridge, New Jersey by 1930 according to the United States Federal Census from that year, but the scant historical record for Belle suggests that she lived in Westchester County long-term. The consignor of this bust relates that it was acquired from descendants of the artist still living in Westchester County. If Belle retained the original life-cast of Washington from Mount Vernon, it is possible that this example, likely an early plaster cast for subsequent iterations in bronze, was also in her possession. The Henry-Bonnard Company specialized in the sand-casting method for bronze sculpture, wherein a negative mold is first obtained from a plaster cast of the artist's original model. Existing examples of this bust in bronze bear the same certification seen here, along with the Henry-Bonnard foundry mark.

      Hindman
    • James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (1824-1908) After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828), Bronze bust of George Washington, Superb...
      Apr. 30, 2019

      James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (1824-1908) After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828), Bronze bust of George Washington, Superb...

      Est: $1,000 - $2,000

      James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (1824-1908) After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828) Bronze bust of George Washington, Superb Bronze & Iron Co., Inc., Brooklyn, NY, early 20th century Marked "Copyright 1898" and foundry mark "Superb Bronze & Iron Co., Inc.", the reverse with cast certificate: "New York City, N.Y. I hereby certify and solemnly swear that the Bust upon which this certificate appears is a perfect reproduction of the Life-Cast Bust of Washington, cast and molded from life at Mount Vernon, Va. in the year 1785, by the eminent French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon (see Washington's Diary, Oct. 12th, 1785). The original Life-Cast Bust is now owned by Miss Belle A. MacDonald of New York City. -Wilson MacDonald, Sculptor", and notary by T.B. Wakeman; together with ebonized wood pedestal. H: 18 1/2 in. (bust) PROVENANCE: Property of a New Jersey gentleman.

      Freeman's | Hindman
    • After Jean-Antoine Houdon, (French, 1741-1828), "Bust of George Washington", first quarter 20th century, patinated bronze, h. 18", w...
      Mar. 18, 2018

      After Jean-Antoine Houdon, (French, 1741-1828), "Bust of George Washington", first quarter 20th century, patinated bronze, h. 18", w...

      Est: $1,200 - $1,800

      After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828) "Bust of George Washington", first quarter 20th century patinated bronze this version by James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908) for the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., New York, foundry inscription, cast signature, copyright marked "1898", dated "1909", and with certificate and oath at back. h. 18", w. 12", d. 10"

      New Orleans Auction Galleries
    • James Wilson Macdonald (1824-1908) After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828), Patinated bronze bust of George Washington (1732-1...
      Apr. 26, 2017

      James Wilson Macdonald (1824-1908) After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828), Patinated bronze bust of George Washington (1732-1...

      Est: $700 - $900

      James Wilson Macdonald (1824-1908) After Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828) Patinated bronze bust of George Washington (1732-1799), the Henry Bon ard Bronze Company Founders, New York, 1909, copyright 1898 With certificate and oath to verso. H: 18 in. PROVENANCE: Property of a Chester County, Pennsylvania Institution.

      Freeman's | Hindman
    • JAMES WILSON ALEXANDER MACDONALD (1824-1908), AFTER JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON (1741-1828): BUST PORTRAIT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
      Mar. 11, 2017

      JAMES WILSON ALEXANDER MACDONALD (1824-1908), AFTER JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON (1741-1828): BUST PORTRAIT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

      Est: $800 - $1,200

      JAMES WILSON ALEXANDER MACDONALD (1824-1908), AFTER JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON (1741-1828): BUST PORTRAIT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON Bronze, marked ''The Henry Bonnard Bronze Co. (Copyright 1898)''; the reverse with ''Certificate and Oath, New York City, NY, May 6th 1898...'' in raised lettering. 18 1/4 x 12 1/2 in. Property of Wilkes University

      STAIR
    • A patinated bronze bust of George Washington James Wilson Alexan
      Nov. 14, 2016

      A patinated bronze bust of George Washington James Wilson Alexan

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      A patinated bronze bust of George Washington James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (American, 1824-1908) Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co. Foundry, New York circa 1898

      Bonhams
    • BRONZE BUST OF WASHINGTON, AFTER HOUDON - Current Bid: $500.00
      Jul. 08, 2015

      BRONZE BUST OF WASHINGTON, AFTER HOUDON - Current Bid: $500.00

      Est: $1,000 - $1,500

      BRONZE BUST OF WASHINGTON, AFTER HOUDON A scarce and compelling neo-classical 9 1/4" bronze 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 Gen. George Armstrong Custer, made from the melting of twenty bronze cannon, which has been emplaced at West Point since 1879. MacDonald created this bust from the famous life portrait bust modeled at Mount Vernon by French master Jean Antoine Houdon in 1785. Verso reads: "This is a mathematical reduction of the original life mask bust of Washington modeled at Mount Vernon in 1785 by Jean Antoine Houdon. Sworn to by Wilson MacDonald [facsimile signature], Copyright 1899" Cast by the Henry Bonnard Bronze Co. Fine original condition.

      Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
    • Extraordinary Bronze Bust of George Washington
      Nov. 15, 2014

      Extraordinary Bronze Bust of George Washington

      Est: $1,500 - $2,500

      Extraordinary Bronze Bust of George Washington. James Wilson Alexander MacDonald (1824-1908) sculpture of George Washington, 19 1/2" x 11" x 8 1/2" on marble base. Sculpture on verso is elegantly stamped with full text of COA and artist's signature which certifies bronze a perfect reproduction of Washinton's life-cast and copyrighted 1898 by the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co. Founders, New York. Bust is of bronze, with a dark brown patina, custom-beveled marble base measures 2" x 20" x 12". Combined weight approxiamately 40 pounds. In excellent condition. Ex. The Claude Harkins Collection of Americana. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500.

      Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
    • James Wilson MacDonald (American, 1824-1908)
      May. 18, 2014

      James Wilson MacDonald (American, 1824-1908)

      Est: $1,500 - $2,500

      James Wilson MacDonald (American, 1824-1908), "George Washington", 1898, bronze, after the 1785 life-cast sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828), a "Henry Bonnard Bronze Co Founders NY 1898" foundry mark, notarized, inscribed, copyrighted, and signed en verso, h. 19-1/2", w. 11-3/4", d. 8-1/2", on a white composition pedestal, h. of pedestal 40".

      New Orleans Auction Galleries
    • JAMES WILSON MACDONALD, American, 1824-1908, Bronze bust of William Cullen Bryant., Height 22½".
      Nov. 19, 2011

      JAMES WILSON MACDONALD, American, 1824-1908, Bronze bust of William Cullen Bryant., Height 22½".

      Est: $2,500 - $3,500

      JAMES WILSON MACDONALD American, 1824-1908 Bronze bust of William Cullen Bryant. Inscribed on reverse "Bryant By Wilson MacDonald 1878". Elkington Foundry marks. Height 22 1/2".

      Eldred's
    • JAMES WILSON ALEXANDER MACDONALD (American, 1824-1908). LIFE CAST BUST OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, AFTER HOUDON, Signed and inscribed on base
      Nov. 14, 2009

      JAMES WILSON ALEXANDER MACDONALD (American, 1824-1908). LIFE CAST BUST OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, AFTER HOUDON, Signed and inscribed on base

      Est: $2,000 - $3,000

      JAMES WILSON ALEXANDER MACDONALD (American, 1824-1908). LIFE CAST BUST OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, AFTER HOUDON, Signed and inscribed on base, copyrighted 1898, with the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., Founders, NY foundry mark. Bronze, dark brown patina - Height: 19 in.

      Sloans & Kenyon
    • 1899 Bronze Portrait Bust of George Washington
      Dec. 15, 2007

      1899 Bronze Portrait Bust of George Washington

      Est: $4,000 - $5,000

      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".

      Mastro Auctions
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