Harry Jackson (American, 1924-2011)
Bustin' One, alternatively titled Steer Roper, Dally
Titled, signed, dated ".../© Harry Jackson/59" and with the artist's thumbprint, all in the top of the bronze base, identified with the title Steer Roper on a presentation plaque affixed to the front of the plinth.
Bronze with green/brown patina, height 12 in. (30.5 cm), on a contoured metal plinth.
Condition: Dust and dirt to interstices.
Provenance: The collection of Joseph Thomas Alvarez III, California.
N.B. Harry Jackson created this bronze early in his career as a sculptor, just after his success with Range Burial and as he was finishing Stampede, finding relief in working on a smaller scale. Steer Roper was worked very broadly and roughly to stress the vigorous action of this everyday task, capturing the determination of the cowboy and the intense opposing movement of the horse and the steer.
Harry Jackson did two versions of Steer Roper, Hard and Fast and Dally, distinguished from one another by the cowboy's handling of the rope. In the rodeo arena, the roper's end of the lariat must be tied to the saddle horn "hard and fast," but when working in the open, cowboys will sometimes wrap the end of the rope around the saddle horn for a couple of turns or "dallies," tying off firmly only after the steer is down.
Estimate $3,000-5,000
Printed label on the side of the plinth reads, "Property of Washington Mutual."
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.