John J. Scott (American, 1919-2016). "Sackett" silicon bronze, ca. 1995. Signature, ram symbol, title, and edition 5/20 on rifle. Finely cast via the lost wax process, John Scott's "Sackett" depicts a striding cowboy inspired by actor Sam Elliot's character in the Western film "The Sacketts" (1979) based on Louis L'Amour's novels "The Daybreakers" (1960) and "Sackett" (1961). The Sackett brothers left their Tennessee home in 1869 to Go West and start a new life in Santa Fe. Scott presents the bearded Sackett treking forward while dramatically pointing with his left hand and peering into the distance. Sackett grips his rifle with his right hand, wears a bandolier and pistol around his waist, and wields a dagger in a fringed scabbard slung across his body. Donning a cowboy hat, duster coat, neckerchief, button-down vest, and pants tucked into boots with spurs, the striding Sackett is ready to battle anyone challenging his search for gold in the mountains! Size: 22.625" H (57.5 cm); 24.375" H (61.9 cm) on included custom stand.
John Scott was an American artist of Scottish heritage. He lived in a log cabin in the woods of Kittredge, Colorado that he built from the ground up and created sculptures and paintings inspired by the wildlife and scenery of Colorado and Wyoming. According to his wife Dorothy, "He was always working and always looking for something to throw himself into completely." Of note, John was immensely proud of his Scottish heritage, learned to play the bag pipes, and wore his Clan Scott tartan kilt. John was also an avid hunter of large game in Colorado and Wyoming as well as British Columbia and Alaska.
Not only did John build his log cabin which he called "Brig-O-Doon" - he also built and operated his own studio and foundry. John created his bronzes via the lost wax process, a method first used by the ancients. His technique involved 24 steps from the creation of the mold to pouring the hot bronze to welding the piece back together to the embellishing with finishing touches. Indeed, John's passion for his chosen profession was boundless; in his words, "Art is a monster that sweeps over me and it seems I never satisfy that creative spirit."
A little note on John Scott's signature ram symbol: Scott was greatly inspired by Charles Marion Russell whose emblem was a buffalo skull symbolizing his strong connection to the American West. Following in Russell's footsteps, Scott chose the ram as his symbol, because the Rocky Mountain bighorn ram with its massive curling horns is the state animal of his beloved Colorado. John Scott loved his homeland and his art has been exhibited throughout the American Southwest and beyond in reputable galleries of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and California.
Provenance: Private John J. Scott Collection, Kittredge, Colorado, USA, acquired from the late John J. Scott
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#171977
Condition
Overall excellent! Inscribed with signature and ram symbol on rifle. Mounted on wooden base that was carved by the artist.