William A. Couper (1853-1942)

'Repose', A Bronze Relief

Details

William A. Couper (1853-1942)
'Repose', A Bronze Relief
inscribed 'Wm Couper New York' and 'THE HENRY-BONNARD BRONZE CO FOUNDERS. N-Y. 1898.'
24 x 53in. (61 x 134.5cm.), medium brown patina

Provenance

Private collection, Norfolk, Virginia

Exhibited

G.E. Couper, An American Sculptor on the Grand Tour: The Life and Works of William Couper (1853-1941), Los Angeles, California, 1988, pp. 45, 99

Lot Essay

According to the artist's biographer and granddaughter, Greta Couper, the present allegorical bas-relief can be identified as Repose due to the size, date, provenance and subject matter. "Couper's first work in America was an allegorical bas-relief called Repose, done for Capt. William H. White, and Couper wanted to be sure it was well received. 'I am getting along with my first order after arriving on this side, and which will go to Norfolk...Mr. White will get more for his money, certainly as far as time and care goes, than he ever got before. It is my great desire to have him proud of it.' (G.E. Couper, p. 45)