catalog text
ALEXANDER PHIMSTER PROCTOR
American, 1860-1950
"Princeton Tiger" (1910)
Dark-brown and autumnal patinated bronze | signed in cast "AP PROCTOR 1912", "GORHAM CO FOUNDERS 0454 7" with copyright symbol captured from underlying mold, "79" and "PRINCETON TIGER" to raised edge | cast circa 1912 | formerly with Graham Gallery of New York (label affixed to underside)
Item # 402KMP14C
A very early casting from Alexander Phimster Proctor of his "Princeton Tiger". Modeled in 1908-1910, the original monumental pair of these were cast in 1910 and presented to Princeton University Art Museum by the class of 1879 (hence the '79 incised on the front raised edge). They were subsequently cast by Gorham starting in 1912 in two dimensions - 22 3/16" in total width and 9" in total width. The present example is the latter dimension and is cold-stamped "7", noting its very early production. It is finished in a nearly black overall patination that was relieved to show autumnal hues throughout, the tones together emphasizing the surface texture that is captured directly from the early mold. Note the extraordinary surface nuance and exquisite detail. The underside retains a label from Graham Gallery and shows remnants of the core material loosely moving within the void.
Museum Holdings:
- Brooklyn Museum of Art [large version]
- Cleveland Museum of Art [9" version]
- Princeton University Art Museum [the monumental original pair]
Measurements: 4" H x 9" W x 2 1/2" D
Condition Report:
Exceedingly good condition, no flaws.