127

JONATHAN SCOTT HARTLEY
American, (1845-1912)
The Baseball Player, 1886
bronze
signed, dated and inscribed "J. S. Hartley, Sculptor, Copyrighted, 1886," with foundry mark "The Henry Bonnard Bronze Co. N.Y."

bronze
height: 12 3/4 inches

  • Provenance: Private Collection, New York; Conner Rosenkranz, New York, New York; Barry Halper Baseball Collection, New Jersey; Christie's, New York, New York, September 27, 2011, lot 129; Private Collection, New York, New York.
  • Literature: Bronzes d'Art: The Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company (New York, n. d.), no. 6.
  • Notes: Along with Thomas Eakins and William Morris Hunt, Hartley was one of the earlier artists to treat the subject of the newly popular sport of baseball. The Baseball Player captures a player in the midst of catching a ball bare-handed—it was not yet common to wear a glove. His close-fitting baseball uniform, complete with a short-brimmed cap and heeled boots, bunches in places as he reaches upwards and balances on one foot to reach the ball. While Hartley's modern subject was unusual for sculpture of the period, which generally treated historical and mythological figures, this work is infused with idealization and balance stressed in the sculptor's neoclassical training. The Italian Renaissance sculptor Giambologna's Mercury, who lifts his right arm and leg as he flies upward, may have inspired the baseball player's similar pose.



    Tags: sculpture, listed artist, 19th century, baseball
  • Condition: overall good condition
    Condition Report Note:
    We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Shannon’s is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Frames on all paintings are sold "As Is". Frames may need some conservation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE. Thank you for your interest in our sale.

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April 28, 2022 6:00 PM EDT
Milford, CT, US

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000