Donald de Lue (American, 1900–1988) The Rocket Thrower

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American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists

By Freeman's

Dec 5, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-12-05 14:00:00 2021-12-05 14:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/freemans/american-art-and-pennsylvania-impressionists-7883
Led by the esteemed Collection of Virginia and Stuart Peltz, Freeman's December 5 sale will feature marquee names of the field, from 19th century landscapists Albert Bierstadt and George Inness to Illustration Art masters like Stevan Dohanos and Jessie Willcox Smith. Freeman's info@freemansauction.com

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• Lot Description
  Donald de Lue (American, 1900–1988) The Rocket Thrower

  Signed and copyrighted 'De LUE ©' on the base, bronze with golden brown patina
  Height: 57 1/4 in. (145.4cm)
  Cast circa 1962 by Lera Bronze Foundry, Reggio, Italy (Master caster Antonio Santini)

  
  
  

  Provenance

  Private Collection, New Jersey.

  
  
  Footnote:

  Literature

  D. Roger Howlett, The Sculpture of Donald DeLue: Gods, Prophets and Heroes, Godine, Boston, 1990, pp. 102-106, 110-111 (other models, including preparatory ones, illustrated).

  Note

  The Rocket Thrower is an important work of Donald De Lue's, which the sculptor presented at New York World's Fair in 1964. "Peace Through Understanding" was the slogan for the fair, and "Man's Entry into Space" was its major theme. Rising forty-five feet into the air on the main axis, the work was meant to suggest "man’s relationship to space and his venturesome spirit backed up by all the powers of his intelligence for the exploration of a new dimension while channeling older models." Executed in merely six months, the work was one of the most difficult De Lue ever completed, and even had to be cast in Italy to meet the increasing demands of the Fair's committee. Channeling aspects of the Antique sculpture and more recent models like Antoine Bourdelle's Archer, the work received mixed-reviews. However lukewarm some critics may have been, they contributed to to the sculpture's posterity, and even bestowed it an iconic status, symbolically making it the visual separation between figurative art and abstract art in sculpture.

  The present work is part of a series of reduced bronzes approved by the Fair Committee for commerce.

  
  
  Condition report:

  In excellent original condition, with no sign of repair or restoration. With accumulated dust in the crevices. Some accumulated verdigris residue on the base.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’ possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00