Back Lot Number: 228  
     

LOT 228
 
Description: Rare "Football" figural group by John Rogers c.1890's. The most desired and valuable of the various Victorian figural sculptures by noted artist John Rogers depicting a group of three men tackling a ball carrier. The group was modeled after Rogers' three sons and the captain of the Yale football team named William Herbert. Rogers' sons all attended Yale and along with Herbert were documented to have posed for studies preceding the creation of the offered statue. The piece consists of a plaster composite with light brown pottery glaze. Rogers' attention to detail is evident in the various nuances of the piece including the players' uniforms and melon style football. Given its obvious original fragility, the offered example remains in fine overall condition having some typical inpainting to some areas of surface abrasion and some minor damage/chips to sensitive areas such as the ball carrier's nose. Impressed titling "Football" remains on the front of the base with "Rogers New York" impressed onto the top of the base. One of only two examples that we have handled in over 13 years that ranks as the pinnacle of 19th century football display pieces: EX
Sold For: $3,600.00

 
Estimated Price: ($4,000.00-$6,000.00)  
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