Collections: American Art: Lion

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Lion

This lifelike representation of a resting lion was carved by the Paris-trained artist A. Phimster Proctor, whose particular talent for animal sculpture is apparent here in the convincing description of the cat's anatomy and attitude. Raise on the frontier in Denver, Colorado, Proctor had developed an affinity for wildlife and a passion for hunting that he ultimately shared with Brooklyn Museum trustee George D. Pratt. An active patron of the artist as well, Pratt purchased this work from Proctor in 1910 (prior to the inscription of the date 1912), originally for presentation to Pratt Institute. Pratt also presented the Brooklyn Museum with ten small Proctor bronzes including nine animal subjects and a Native American figure.

• Artist: Alexander Phimister Proctor, American, 1862-1950
• Medium: Marble
• Dates: 1912
• Dimensions: 27 1/2 x 54 1/2 x 26 in. (69.9 x 138.4 x 66 cm)
• Signature: Inscribed on front of base at lion's rear paw: "A.P. PROCTOR / 1912"
• Collections: American Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 10.119
• Credit Line: General John B. Woodward Statue Fund
• Image: Overall, 10.119_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Alexander Phimister Proctor (American, 1862-1950). Lion, 1912. Marble, 27 1/2 x 54 1/2 x 26 in. (69.9 x 138.4 x 66 cm). Brooklyn Museum, General John B. Woodward Statue Fund, 10.119 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 10.119_bw.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Naturalistic figure of a sleeping male lion viewed from side; lion rests his head on his front paws; tail curls around bottom and crosses over proper right rear leg; figure carved from rectangular block with back and base left roughly hewn. Condition: Good, some scratches and damage on back.