ATTRIBUTED TO JULIUS THEODORE MELCHERS (1829-1909), DETROIT, MICHIGAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Prussian-born Julies Theodore Melchers (1829-1909) was a self-proclaimed sculptor. As a teenager, Melchers apprenticed for Minsterman, a sculptor and master wood carver. In his youth, he was active in politics and when the rebellion of 1848 failed, he was forced to leave Prussia. He relocated to Paris, then to England, and finally to America where he settled in Detroit in 1852. At first, Melchers could not find work as a wood carver until he received his first commissions from a church. His first commission for an 'Indian' figure was ordered by Isaac S. Miller's tobacco factory which launched his career. In time, he became one of the most recognized and popular wood carvers in the country. Melchers was a collector of Native American artifacts and paid particular attention to the costume and details of his ‘Indian’ figures ensuring they were rendered with historic accuracy. His figures, as seen in the present lot, are usually elongated in scale and carved in simple, straightforward poses. Melchers' restrain and austerity lends an air of elegance to the figure.

For a further discussion on Melchers and his career, see Frederick Fried, Artists in Wood (New York, 1970), pp. 137-150.