And now for something completely different but numismatically related, what is it?
trueblood
Posts: 609 ✭✭✭✭
I could really use help with the identification of this piece of art.
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Comments
Beautiful !!!
Possibly of French origins.
peacockcoins
I have no idea but I kinda like it. Normally these kinda of things don’t appeal to me but I think it looks pretty neat.
TurtleCat Gold Dollars
It screams 19th century French origin and appears to be in excellent condition. The artist was highly skilled but I have no idea who it was.
Looks like a plaster sculpture used with a Janvier reducing machine to create a die or hub used to produce a coin or a medal.
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An outstanding work of art!
No clue who or where, but I concur that mid 19th century French origin seems the most probable.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Very detailed piece!
Fascinating
I'm only guessing here, but I would think, based on some design elements (eagle with arrows, shield with stars and stripes) that it is a 19th century French-made presentation piece with the artist's rendition of America (AMERIQUE), but to whom it was presented I have no clue. As France presented America with the Statue of Liberty in 1876, perhaps the piece has something to do with that time frame. Whatever it is, it is GORGEOUS!
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Tom, formerly in Albuquerque, NM.
No clue but it is a beautiful design.
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I'm crossing my eyes over whether that's a bas relief sculpture or a trompe d'oeil painting. By the depth and darkness of the shadows I'm going with the painting, which is (to me) the cooler option on a very cool piece of art.
19th Century French seems OTM
edited to add: second look - "trompe d'oeil" - to fool the eye.
Embarrass me later, Al
Neat! I’ll be watching for it on the BST!
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
…IDK but it sure looks cold where she is
If it's for sale I want it!
One of the major reasons that I purchased it
Any thoughts on the meaning of the trident(?) on the device in her left hand? Is it symbolic or just an artistic addition?
Traditionally the trident symbolized mastery of the seas or other maritime endeavors.
TurtleCat Gold Dollars
Could that indicate It was from the early 1900s with reference to Teddy Roosevelt's Great White Fleet?
I wish I knew… maybe it is timed around the Panama Canal? It reminds me a little of the Pan Pac intaglios out there of the Pacific and Atlantic meeting.
Hope someone figures it out.
TurtleCat Gold Dollars
you cannot see it as pictured but on the headband it says "LIBERTY". Miss Libertas sitting on bales of goods, are like the Trade Dollar; Liberty's face like the Morgan Dollar; the ocean like the pattern Trade Dollars; the shield like many of our coins along with Miss Liberty; and coins flowing out of a gord or sack all seems to speak plainly to me of American commerce in the later 19thCentury. I don't see anything related to Panama Canal of 1904 or Teddy's 1907 naval force circumnavigating the world although the trident on the scroll definitely is meaningful. But who really knows at this point those are interesting ideas.
That is a really beautiful piece of art.... No clue as to origin/identification. However, if I saw it in a shop or at a show, I would be strongly inclined to add it to my home. Cheers, RickO
Spectacular.
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That would make a beautiful coin.
The references all line up with strength at sea for commerce imo. At that time we had the greatest and most powerful naval vessels for both shipping and war. We could have been considered a god of sea.
I would suggest(only suggest) it may be Liberty on her way to the U.S. onboard a ship from France bearing the Statue of Liberty in the wind(as is noticed by flowing hair and drapery pressed tight against her body). One of the most beautiful and interesting carving or plaster sculpture I have ever seen. Would be fantastic to find out the true story behind it and the artist. Wonder if one could have some type of specialist to remove it hoping for writing or letter or stamp on reverse?
Regardless, one of the most beautiful sculpture I have ever seen. Where are you Dan Carr? Sign me up for one.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
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Full disclosure, my wife picked it up from the P.O. but I haven't seen it yet, since I am out of town, but the seller described it as an 19th C engraving on paper and not a sculpture, it is an engraving of the sculpture.....supposedly.
Gotta take a look see behind that round wood rear panel. Might be a pleasant surprise. Very nice. Peace Roy
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Not sure of the origins, but do sincerely believe she'd look much better on my wall than yours!
Look at the shadows of the nose and chin behind and well below the nose and chin, as if the head were well above the "field" of the piece. I suspect that this is proof that the piece is indeed a "trompe d'oeil" drawing or painting. Amazing! It sure fooled me!
Yes, have it professionally removed from frame, I would feel some writing would be on the back. JMO.
That would the most beautiful work of art in my home, wouldn't you want to make that happen?
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I thought for sure it was a bas relief - it looks to my crappy eyes that Liberty is missing a couple of fingers. In any event a great piece of art for a US coin collector. Love the frame as well.
If it is just flat paper, I recommend leaving it in the frame. That chip at 12 o'clock might suggest very brittle paper that might fall apart.
I'm starting to wonder if what you actually bought is what is pictured. Did you actually buy an engraving of what is pictured or the actual item pictured?
Man, that's pretty sweet!
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My understanding is that I purchased exactly what is pictured, an engraving of a sculpture that is framed or housed in the wood frame that you see. My only question is the engraving doesn't look like an engraving that I am used to seeing, it looks like a bas relief sculpture but the seller clearly said it was not a sculpture but an ink engraving on paper.
If it is truly an engraving on paper, it is amazing. Never seen anything with such a 3d look to it, especially something that old. Such talent. If only someone engraving our coin dies was half that artistic.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Agreed, it is quite striking. I believe either way I will be happy. The minute I laid my eyes on this piece I wanted it.
Very nice.
Hoard the keys.
Yolo
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/date-sets/hashtags-prefect-coin-grading-service-1879/album/7621
even with her sandals it looks like walking Liberty had to sit down and rest, she is a very Good Looking piece of Art Great pick-up a real keeper for sure!
Second picture a Gold coin counting rack most likely use in a Bank 20's to the left then 10's 5's and 2 1/2's, another great piece of History. Kid's today would have no clue.
Has the engraving shown up yet?
Super!
Thought I'd take a stab at finding it... @trueblood
Check these out!
I do believe I may have found the sculptor!
Bertel Thorvaldsen
https://www.google.com/search?q=bertel+thorvaldsen+bas+reliefs&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjD6KyKyJXxAhUNyawKHaKvD40Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=bertel+thorvaldsen+bas+reliefs&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIECCMQJ1D8cVj8cWDkc2gAcAB4AIABN4gBN5IBATGYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=4nnGYMPvCY2SswWi377oCA&bih=575&biw=1293
This is a surprisingly similar image! But I couldn't find out who made this etching, if it was Bertel or not.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Personifications_of_the_United_States#/media/File:US(1891)_p028_AMERICA.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Personifications_of_the_United_States
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:King's_Hand-book_of_the_United_States_(1891)_by_SWEETSER
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/us-1891.html
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