**First Time At Auction**

Tony Hochstetler (American, b. 1964). "Painted Turtle" - bronze on black marble or granite mount with walnut base, edition 5 of 21, n.d. Signed and numbered on reeds below turtle. A lovely cast bronze sculpture by Tony Hochstetler featuring a painted turtle, the most widespread native turtle found in North America, resting on some reeds in a lake or pond with aquatic plants rising above. The ensemble is mounted upon rectangular piece of black stone, either marble or granite, which in turn is mounted upon a wooden base. A beautiful sculpture created by an artist who is greatly inspired by the natural world. In Hochstetler's words, "I sculpt the animals and plants that fascinated me as I was growing up, and that still intrigue me today. Insects, reptiles, amphibians, and fish have always been the animals that interest me the most. The diversity of these animals, the way they move, and the compositions that they form are the driving forces behind my desire to sculpt." Size: 6.7" L x 8.5" W x 11.75" H (17 cm x 21.6 cm x 29.8 cm); 13.25" H (33.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Artist's Biography: "Tony Hochstetler is a sculptor of unusual animals and botanical subjects. His repertoire of work revolves around reptile, amphibian, insect, marine life, and the occasional odd mammal. Born and raised in northern Indiana he spent his childhood in the forests, fields, and wetlands studying the natural world around him. Tony currently lives in Colorado where he continues to seek out and research unique subjects. A seasoned sculptor, Hochstetler has been featured in many publications and books including Masterworks of American Sculpture and Reptiles & Amphibians in Contemporary Art. He has also earned multiple awards for his wildlife sculpture including two Awards of Merit from the Society of Animal Artists. His work resides in numerous museums, zoological gardens, and city collections as well as important private collections. He has had several one-man shows and participated in numerous gallery invitational and museum exhibitions throughout the country. He is a member of the National Sculpture Society, and a Signature member of the Society of Animal Artists. " (artist's website)

Tony Hochstetler's works may be found in the permanent collections of Wichita Art Museum, Wichita, KS; Denver Zoological Gardens, Denver, CO; National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY; Benson Park Sculpture Garden, Loveland, CO; Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK, and others. Hochstetler is represented by Simpson Gallagher Gallery in Cody, Wyoming; Bronze Coast Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon; Cheryl Newby Gallery in Pawleys Island, South Carolina; Wilcox Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming, and Wilcox Gallery II in Jackson, Wyoming.

Please note: Tony Hochstetler has retired this design. This piece is 1 of only 21 that were created.

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#173115

Bronze is excellent with a gorgeous patina. Signed and numbered 5/21 on reeds. Black marble or granite slab is intact and beautifully finished. Walnut base has a stain from label and a few minute scuffs here and there, but is otherwise very attractive.