John J. Scott (American, 1919-2016). "Great Spirits Cattle II" bronze, n.d. Inscribed with the artist's signature and ram symbol as well as the title of the piece, AP (artist's proof), and edition number 4 of 10 on the lower edge of the piece. Skillfully and meticulously cast via the lost wax process, "Great Spirits Cattle II" depicts a North American bison grazing in a field and demonstrates American sculptor John Scott's painstaking attention to the details of his subject's anatomy as well as behavior. What's more, Scott was a master at rendering textures; please take a moment to appreciate the animal's furry coat, smooth horns, and watery eyes. Scott's sculpture of this beautiful animal is so realistic that one can almost imagine a swish of the tail or a twitch of the ears. A striking bronze - an artist's proof from a limited edition of 10 - by John Scott, an artist who had a deep respect and connection to wild life. Size: 18.5" W x 7.375" H (47 cm x 18.7 cm); 9.25" H (23.5 cm) on included custom stand.

John Scott was an American artist of Scottish heritage. He lived in a log cabin in the woods of Kittredge, Colorado that he built from the ground up and created sculptures and paintings inspired by the wildlife and scenery of Colorado and Wyoming. According to his wife Dorothy, "He was always working and always looking for something to throw himself into completely." Of note, John was immensely proud of his Scottish heritage, learned to play the bag pipes, and wore his Clan Scott tartan kilt. John was also an avid hunter of large game in Colorado and Wyoming as well as British Columbia and Alaska.

Not only did John build his log cabin which he called "Brig-O-Doon" - he also built and operated his own studio and foundry. John created his bronzes via the lost wax process, a method first used by the ancients. His technique involved 24 steps from the creation of the mold to pouring the hot bronze to welding the piece back together to the embellishing with finishing touches. Indeed, John's passion for his chosen profession was boundless; in his words, "Art is a monster that sweeps over me and it seems I never satisfy that creative spirit."

A little note on John Scott's signature ram symbol: Scott was greatly inspired by Charles Marion Russell whose emblem was a buffalo skull symbolizing his strong connection to the American West. Following in Russell's footsteps, Scott chose the ram as his symbol, because the Rocky Mountain bighorn ram with its massive curling horns is the state animal of his beloved Colorado. John Scott loved his homeland and his art has been exhibited throughout the American Southwest and beyond in reputable galleries of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, and California.

Provenance: private Evergreen, Colorado, USA collection, acquired between 2000 to 2005

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#176127

Bronze is in overall excellent condition and presents with a beautiful patina. The wooden base, also made by Scott, has minor scuffs, but is otherwise very nice. Inscribed with the artist's signature and ram symbol as well as the title of the piece, AP (artist's proof), and edition number 4 of 10 on the lower edge of the piece.