GUTZON BORGLUM - ORIGINAL ART SIGNED - HFSID 279314

GUTZON BORGLUM
Deep-relief bust rendering of George Washington's head from an original cast by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor who created the Mount Rushmore National Monument. Produced to help finance construction of the "shrine of democracy", this model displays Borglum's vision and craftsmanship, and was personally signed by him.
Original art signed "Gutzon Borglum/Rushmore" on verso. 4¼x5x2 plaster sculpture mounted on 8x9¼x¼ brown velvet-covered wood board. This is a deep-relief rendering of George Washington's head, from a mold made by the sculptor who created the Mount Rushmore National Monument. Executed before the monument itself, this model reflects Borglum's design in its planning stage. Though a small piece, it is filled with subtle details that breathe life and humanity - and dignity - into its subject. This patriotic piece of Americana is a fine exhibition of Borglum's skills. John Gutzon de la Mothe  Borglum (1867-1941), born in St. Charles, Idaho, already famous for creating the great head of Lincoln in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, was commissioned to begin work on a "shrine of democracy" in 1927. After selecting Mount Rushmore as its site, he began work on 60-foot-high heads of Presidents George Washington (unveiled in 1930), Thomas Jefferson (1936), Abraham Lincoln (1937) and Theodore Roosevelt (1939), chosen as epic symbols of America. Although the project received some federal funds, these were insufficient to accomplish Borglum's vision. Sale of articles like this one made it possible to complete this national treasure. Borglum, who developed innovative stone-working methods to accomplish the massive project, died in 1941, leaving his son Lincoln to complete the finishing details. Sculpture is stained and discolored, with two visible vertical scratches. Velvet on mounting is worn. Otherwise in fine condition.