Seymour Lipton, Maquette for Laureate ca. 1968-1969

Seymour Lipton

Maquette for Laureate ca. 1968-1969

Nickel silver on monel metal

Unique

This unique sculpture by important Abstract Expressionist sculptor Seymour Lipton is a maquette of the monumental sculpture "Laureate" - one of Lipton's most iconic and influential works located on the Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Laureate is a masterpiece that was commissioned by the Allen-Bradley Company in memory of Harry Lynde Bradley and as an enhancement for the newly constructed Performing Arts Center. It is located on the east bank of the Milwaukee River at 929 North Water Street. The Bradley family in Milwaukee were renowned patrons of modernist sculpture, known for their excellent taste who also founded an eponymous sculpture park. For reference only is an image of the monumental "Laureate" one of Milwaukee's most beloved public sculptures. According to the Smithsonian, which owns a different unique variation of this work, "The full-size sculpture Laureate was commissioned by the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee. In the initial drawings, Seymour Lipton combined details from the architectural plan with a wide variety of images, ranging from musical instruments to a lighthouse on the island of Tobago. He transformed the basic shapes from these sketches into a welded sculpture, which evokes a figure composed of columns, harp strings, and coiled rope. Lipton created this piece to celebrate achievement in the arts. The dramatic silhouette commands your attention, reflecting the title Laureate, which means worthy of honor and distinction. The final version of the piece is over twelve feet high and stands out against the pale, flat buildings of the arts center.,,"

 PROVENANCE

Marlborough-Gerson Gallery, New York

Acquired from the above by the previous owner, 1969

thence by descent

Christie's New York: Monday, June 30, 2008 [Lot 00199]

Acquired from the above Christie's sale