catalog text
DAN OSTERMILLER
United States, b. 1956
"Après la Danse" (1999)
Patinated bronze | signed in cast "(c) Dan Ostermiller" | edition 20/20
ref. 412NFW10W
10 1/4" H x 13 5/8" D x 14 3/8" W
A very fine example of Ostermiller's unique ability to convey personality and charm while capturing nature as it is, the present cast was exhibited in 1999 in an edition of twenty, this being the last of the edition (20/20). The loose surface work is highly original with a frenetic stylus that has been cast with perfect fidelity to the underlying wax - captured in the surface are Ostermiller's fingerprints as he worked and reworked the wax model from which this was cast. This particular model is a very rare find on the open market.
Exhibited: Dan Ostermiller, April 26-May 19, 2001, Spanierman Gallery, LLC, p. 12-13; the checklist of works for sale note only a single remaining cast available from an edition of 20 at the time of exhibition (offered for $ 9,300 USD)
Condition:
Exquisite original condition. Cleaned and sealed in conservator's wax. A very fine presentation.
DAN OSTERMILLER
Dan Ostermiller (b. 1956) is a contemporary American sculptor celebrated for his mastery of representational bronze sculptures, particularly of animals. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ostermiller was exposed early to the nuances of anatomy and form through his father, a professional taxidermist. This foundational influence informed his ability to capture lifelike textures and postures in his sculptural work.
Ostermiller began his professional career in sculpture in the late 1970s. His reputation grew as he combined technical precision with an evocative sense of motion and personality in his depictions of wildlife and domestic animals. His sculptures often feature large-scale proportions, emphasizing the monumental and timeless qualities of his subjects.
One of Ostermiller's signature achievements is his work “Marmalade” (1985), a whimsical sculpture of a reclining cat, which has become a beloved public installation at the Denver Art Museum in Colorado. His monumental works are showcased in various prominent locations, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, Colorado.
Ostermiller has exhibited extensively throughout the United States and internationally. His pieces are included in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Gilcrease Museum. His sculptures have also been featured in high-profile exhibitions, including shows at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
In addition to his artistic practice, Ostermiller has been a significant figure in the arts community. He served as president of the National Sculpture Society from 2003 to 2006, advocating for the importance of representational sculpture in contemporary art.
Ostermiller continues to reside and work in Loveland, Colorado, where he maintains an active studio practice. His influence extends through mentorship and his enduring commitment to the craft of sculpture, which balances meticulous detail with universal appeal.