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John Louis Clarke (1881–1970) Hand-Carved Grizzly Bear Sculpture

$6,950
£5,217.14
€6,082.11
CA$9,842.62
A$9,869.82
CHF 5,710.22
MX$120,181.19
NOK 66,265.47
SEK 67,539.84
DKK 45,471.74

About the Item

An exceptional hand-carved wooden grizzly bear sculpture by celebrated Blackfeet artist John Louis Clarke (1881–1970), one of the most important Native American wildlife sculptors of the twentieth century. Executed with Clarke's characteristic sensitivity and remarkable understanding of animal anatomy, the sculpture depicts a powerful grizzly bear striding across a naturalistic carved base. #5511 The carving exhibits the artist's masterful textural treatment, with deeply incised fur, expressive facial modeling, and a wonderfully animated posture that captures both the mass and quiet strength of the animal. The richly patinated surface displays decades of age and handling, enhancing the sculpture's warmth and authenticity. Particularly noteworthy are the apparent original inset dark glass eyes, a feature found on many of John Louis Clarke's more sophisticated wildlife carvings. The rich patina, hand-worked surface, and expressive form exemplify the artist's celebrated approach to depicting the wildlife of the American West. Born near present-day East Glacier, Montana, Clarke—known by his Blackfeet name Cutapuis ("The Man Who Talks Not")—became internationally recognized for his carvings of the wildlife of Glacier National Park despite being rendered deaf and mute by scarlet fever as a child. His work was collected by prominent figures including President Warren G. Harding and John D. Rockefeller Jr., and today resides in numerous museum collections. Signed to the underside "J.L. Clark" and additionally inscribed "Glacier Park." Collectors should note that John Louis Clarke employed a variety of signatures throughout his lengthy career. Authentic examples are known bearing "John L. Clarke," "J.L. Clarke," "J. L. Clarke," and, on occasion, simply "J.L. Clark," omitting the final "e" in his surname. Variations in spacing, lettering style, and the presence or absence of the final "e" are well documented among surviving carvings and auction records. The inclusion of "Glacier Park" is also consistent with Clarke's long association with Glacier National Park, where he maintained his studio and sold works to park visitors for many decades. Consequently, the signature and inscription found on this sculpture are entirely consistent with known authentic markings employed by the artist throughout his career. A superb example of Clarke's highly sought-after wildlife carvings, embodying both the rugged beauty of the American West and the artistic legacy of one of Montana's most celebrated Native American artists. Artist: John Louis Clarke (Blackfeet, 1881–1970) Title: Walking Grizzly Bear Date: Circa 1930s–1950s Medium: Hand-carved wood with dark glass inset eyes Signature: Carved to underside, "J.L. Clark - Glacier Park" Dimensions: 7" W x 2.75" D x 5" H Circa: 1940s Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, surface patina, and minor expected shrinkage and checking to the wood consistent with age. .
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Pine,Hand-Carved
  • Place of Origin:
    United States
  • Period:
    Early 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    San Diego, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: #55111stDibs: LU936650769562

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