Neal Auction
Important Winter Estates Auction January 31 & February 1
A Rare American Patinated Zinc Equestrian Group of Andrew Jackson Lot 285 • January 31, 2015
Lot 285 Saturday, January 31, 2015
A Rare American Patinated Zinc Equestrian Group of Andrew Jackson, 19th c., Cornelius and Baker, Philadelphia, after the 1853 original in Washington, D.C., by Clark Mills (American, 1810‑1883), stone shaped base marked “Patented, May 15, 1855,” h. 22 1/8 in., l. 19 in., w. 8 1/2 in. [$12,000/18,000]
Clark Mills created an iconic image of America’s past, exemplified in the Andrew Jackson sculptural group being offered at Neal Auction Company on January 31, 2015 as lot 285. The larger than life size original of this Clark Mills Andrew Jackson equestrian statue was unveiled in 1853 in Washington D.C.’s Lafayette Square (Fig. 1). The sculptor ambitiously chose the moment when Jackson, reining in his rearing horse, reviews his troops prior to the pivotal Battle of New Orleans. In preparation, Mills studied the uniform worn by Jackson that was displayed in the Washington D.C. Patent Office. The statue’s design astounded everyone, since the only portions of the sculpture to touch the ground were the horse’s hind feet. According to a contemporary account, the statue was lauded for, “...exhibiting the features, the person, the apparel, the attitudes, and almost the action, which belonged to him [Jackson] at the moment of rendering the highest service to his country.” This monument was the first equestrian statue erected in the United States, as well as the first major bronze cast. A second statue was placed in Jackson Square in New Orleans in 1856 (Fig. 2), and a third in Nashville in 1880.The unveiling of the statue in New Orleans took place amidst great celebration; there was a procession of local dignitaries to the site, music, speeches, and a 100 cannon salute from the levee. In 1840 on the 25th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, during his last visit to the city, General Andrew Jackson had laid the cornerstone in the “Place d’Armes” where his statue was eventually to reside. Based on the “Place des Vosges” in Paris, the park was not re-named in Jackson’s honor until 1851, several years after his death. Today, the view of Jackson Square with its synonymous statue is one of the most iconic images of New Orleans.
View of Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., 1894.
George Francois Mugnier, “St. Louis Cathedral and Andrew Jackson Memorial,” 1880-1920, photograph, Louisiana State Museum, George Francois Mugnier Collection, Accession # 09813.949.1
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Lot 285 Saturday, January 31, 2015 Clark Mills is considered one of America’s first sculptors. Born in upstate New York, he ran away from home at the age of 13, eventually settling in Charleston where he began to work as an ornamental plasterer and sculptor. Initially he was hesitant to enter the contest for the Jackson Sculpture commission, fearing he was neither qualified nor experienced enough. Mills was awarded the Jackson commission based in part on the success of his bust of the revered South Carolina statesman John C. Calhoun, 1782-1850 (Fig. 3). To prepare for the sculpture’s production, Mills practiced by casting large-scale bells. He eventually sold the design rights to the prominent Philadelphia firm of Cornelius & Baker (in partnership 1851-1861), a company known for its lighting fixtures and one of the pioneers in zinc casting. The company’s skills are readily evident in this rare patinated zinc reduction. The technique was so advanced and innovative that Cornelius and Baker had the process patented.
Clark Mills (American, 1810-1883), “John C. Calhoun,” c. 1844-45, bronzed plaster, 24 3/8 x 14 x 9 3/8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Examples of Cornelius & Baker Jackson sculptures are in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C., the Tennessee State Museum, the Morris Museum in Georgia, the Virginia Museum of Art in Richmond, the New York Historical Society, the Andrew Jackson Historical Park Museum in South Carolina, and The White House.
References: Barber, James. Andrew Jackson - A Portrait Study. National Portrait Gallery. 1991.pp. 212-216. ; Benezit. Dictionnaire des Peintres. Librairie Grund, 1976, vol. 7, p. 424. ; Ward, John William. Andrew Jackson - Symbol for an Age. Oxford University Press, London, 1962.
For inquiries contact Marc Fagan 800.467.5329 fagan@nealauction.com An 1859 view of Cornelius & Baker’s storefront on 710 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia, PA, from Dewitt C. Baxter, Panoramic Business Directories, Athenaeum of Philadelphia, 1880.
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The successful bidder agrees to pay a buyer’s premium in the amount of 22% of the hammer price on each lot up to and including $200,000, plus 10% of the hammer price greater than $200,000. For payments made by cash, check or wire transfer within 15 days of the auction, the buyer’s premium shall be discounted 2.5% of this 22%. Online bidding is available at a buyer’s premium in the amount of 25% of the hammer price. A cash discount is not available for purchases made online. Unless exempt by law, the purchaser will be required to pay Louisiana and local taxes, and, if applicable, any federal luxury or other tax, on the total purchase price. Documentation of tax exemption must be provided upon registration. Payment in full must be made by the successful bidder within ten days of the auction date. Interest charges will apply to invoices paid after this period expires. We reserve the right to require payment in full of the sales price at the moment of the successful bid. VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted for invoices up to $25,000 per customer.
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