Bryant Baker (1881-1970)

'The Pioneer Woman', A Bronze Group

Details

Bryant Baker (1881-1970)
'The Pioneer Woman', A Bronze Group
inscribed 'Bryant Baker © 1927' and stamped 'ROMAN BRONZE WORKS N.Y.'
10¼in. (26cm.) high, including black Belgian marble base, rich medium brown patina

Literature

P.J. Broder, Bronzes of the American West, New York, 1974, pp. 275-282, fig. no. 325

Lot Essay

In 1926, twelve sculptors were invited to enter models in a competition to honor the pioneer woman: James Earle Fraser, Hermon Atkins MacNeil, Mahonri MacIntosh Young, A. Sterling Calder, Jo Davidson, John Gregory, F. Lynn Jenkins, Bryant Baker, Wheeler Williams, Maurice Sterne, Mario J. Korbel and Arthur Lee. Upon completion of the models, the bronzes were sent across the nation and 750,000 people voted for their favorite piece. Will Rogers gave the dedication speech at the unveiling of Bryant Baker's model which was chosen by popular acclaim. The monument, which stands in Ponce City, Oklahoma is inscribed "In appreciation of the heroic character of the woman pioner and homesteader in this country." (Broder, p. 276)

Two sizes of the reduction of The Pioneer Woman were made - one 17¼in. high (sold in these rooms, March 16, 1995, lot 106) and the present version.