RARE Antique 1907 Tolstoy Bronze Bas - Relief Plaque Medal John Flanagan SIGN DATE
Item History & Price
This is a rare 1907 foundrycast bronze plaque portrait of Leo Tolstoy by renown American sculptor andmedalist, John Flanagan. He is regardedas a master of portraiture. The plaque was pictured in two early 20th century publications. Uncirculated andunrestored. It is signed anddated using two lines on the left side: JF/ ●MCMVII● The plaqueis in near perfect condition with very precise elements. The craftsmanshipis superb. The basrelief portrait of ...the bearded Tolstoy has crisp delineation and outstanding detail. His name is inscribed above the portrait: LVOV●TOLSTOI●. The originalhanging ring on the reverse is still intact.Over 110 years old, the plaque isnicely highlighted and exquisitely worked with little discernible wear. It has a rich golden brown patina with very slightpatina wear near the lower left edge. (see pictures). Measures: 6½”H x 4 7/8”W x 1/8” thickness (165mm x 120.65mm x 3.175mm thickness).EXTRA BONUS WITH YOUR PURCHASE!! Copies of three articles from early 20th century publicationsciting this work and / or the sculptor John Flanagan will be included with your purchase(see historical documentation below for details).
This rare piece of art comes from my artist brother-in-law’s extensive antique collection. A journalist in 1922 wrote: "In the distant ages -- millenniums hence -- it is not hard to imagine some collector prizing JohnFlanagan's medals just as we prize those of ancient Rome"! YOU can be that collector -- BIDNOW!NOTE: I am not a collector or grader of coins ormedals, so please look at the pictures closely as they are part of thedescription. You can then assess the condition and grade to yourstandard. I tried to capture nuances by taking pictures with and withouta flash. The extra picture of Tolstoy seated on a bench was taken in 1908, four months before his 80th birthday & is included for interest only. Historical Documentation / Descriptive Literature (3 separate sources; included with purchase):This rare plaque was pictured in two early 20th century periodicals. In a short article on Flanagan in The Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Contmporary Medals (March, 1910), the plaque is identified as “Leo Tolstoi, 1907, Plaquette, galvano, 118x87mm”. An article on art medalists in The International Studio (April 1912), includes a picture of the plaque and mentions it and Flanagan “A pupil of the late Augustus Sain-Gaudens, John Flanagan, showed a strong plaquette of Leo Tolstoi, executed in 1907, and possessed of some excellently virile qualities.” A third article appears in the International Studio, April 1922, “John Flanagan – Sculptor and Medalist”, 3 pages, 8 illustrations. In this article the author highly praises Flanagan for his mastery and skill in low relief. Several quotes from the article: “Fine realism and sense for color gain for him pre-eminence in low relief.” . . . “Flanagan has been called the foremost of American medalists, a title to which he objects since he has executed many groups, busts, statues, and other works in the round. But he plays so skillfully with all the delicate resources of relief, blending so admirably the boldness of high-lights with the modesty of shadows that these exquisite creations delight and captivate the observer and amaze one at the perfection of his workmanship.” . . . and the article closes with “In the distant ages – millenniums hence – it is not hard to imagine some collector prizing John Flanagan’s medals just as we prize those of ancient Rome.”I am including one picture from each of the aforementioned publications. Copies of all three of these articles will be included with the plaque. For those interested, I am providing short bios further below on both Flanagan and Tolstoy. Internet searches will, of course, provide you with much more information and detail.Thanks for looking and good luck!If you have any questions about this item, please feel free to email me. Ask all questions before bidding.Free Priority shipping with insurance.
Please see policy for more information on shipping, insurance, and returns.About John Flanagan:John Flanagan was a sculptor who was known for his designs for coins and medals. He designed both the obverse and reverse sides of the Washington U.S. quarter, issued in 1932. This design continued until 1998. His initials are at the base of Washington’s neck.Flanagan was a studio assistant for Augustus St. Gaudens from 1885-1890. A bronze portrait bust of St. Gaudens by Flanagan exists in several copies and is displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), National Gallery of Art (DC), New York Univeristy. Other works are displayed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum while his extraordinary bronze sculpture, the “Rotunda Clock” with its colored marbles, semi-precious stones, & copper, is located in the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress. About Tolstoy:Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, better known as Leo Tolstoy, was born into an aristocratic Russian family in 1828. His conversion from a dissolute and privileged society author to the non-violent and spiritual anarchist of his latter days was brought about by his experience in the army and Crimean War as well as two trips around Europe in 1857 and 1860–61. He once wrote in a letter to a friend, “The truth is that the State is a conspiracy designed not only to exploit, but above all to corrupt its citizens ... Henceforth, I shall never serve any government anywhere." In the 1870s, Tolstoy experienced a profound moral crisis, followed by what he regarded as an equally profound spiritual awakening. His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him to become a fervent Christian anarchist and pacifist. Tolstoy's ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal 20th-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and James Bevel. His exploration of philosophy and the redeeming salvation of Christianity led to his excommunication from the Russian Orthodox church.
PAYMENT AND SHIPPING POLICY
We are happy to combine shipping on items won within 5 days of each other. If you are bidding on several items, please send an email and we'll get a shipping quote to you.I accept payments by PayPal only. Payment is due within 7 days after close of auction. I usually ship within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment (occasionally it may take longer).Your satisfaction is of utmost importance. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with your purchase, returns are accepted for a full refund minus shipping and handling fees and, for some items, a restocking fee (as reflected in listing). Item must be in its original condition / package and with tags, if applicable. Returns must be made within 14 days after buyer receives merchandise. Buyer should first contact seller if an item is to be returned. Buyer is responsible for return postage with delivery tracking as well as insurance, if included in original shipping. Refund will be sent when product is received.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS· I use eBay's Global Shipping Program for all international purchases..· Please be aware there may be customs charges that the buyer must pay which are not determined by the seller.· Buyers must pay for purchase with PayPal in US dollars only. · Payment is due within 5 days after close of auction. Item usually ships within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment.· Returns are accepted, per attached policy & within 14 days after buyer receives merchandise. Items must be returned in original condition. Buyer is responsible for return Priority postage, insurance and delivery tracking.
This rare piece of art comes from my artist brother-in-law’s extensive antique collection. A journalist in 1922 wrote: "In the distant ages -- millenniums hence -- it is not hard to imagine some collector prizing JohnFlanagan's medals just as we prize those of ancient Rome"! YOU can be that collector -- BIDNOW!NOTE: I am not a collector or grader of coins ormedals, so please look at the pictures closely as they are part of thedescription. You can then assess the condition and grade to yourstandard. I tried to capture nuances by taking pictures with and withouta flash. The extra picture of Tolstoy seated on a bench was taken in 1908, four months before his 80th birthday & is included for interest only. Historical Documentation / Descriptive Literature (3 separate sources; included with purchase):This rare plaque was pictured in two early 20th century periodicals. In a short article on Flanagan in The Catalogue of the International Exhibition of Contmporary Medals (March, 1910), the plaque is identified as “Leo Tolstoi, 1907, Plaquette, galvano, 118x87mm”. An article on art medalists in The International Studio (April 1912), includes a picture of the plaque and mentions it and Flanagan “A pupil of the late Augustus Sain-Gaudens, John Flanagan, showed a strong plaquette of Leo Tolstoi, executed in 1907, and possessed of some excellently virile qualities.” A third article appears in the International Studio, April 1922, “John Flanagan – Sculptor and Medalist”, 3 pages, 8 illustrations. In this article the author highly praises Flanagan for his mastery and skill in low relief. Several quotes from the article: “Fine realism and sense for color gain for him pre-eminence in low relief.” . . . “Flanagan has been called the foremost of American medalists, a title to which he objects since he has executed many groups, busts, statues, and other works in the round. But he plays so skillfully with all the delicate resources of relief, blending so admirably the boldness of high-lights with the modesty of shadows that these exquisite creations delight and captivate the observer and amaze one at the perfection of his workmanship.” . . . and the article closes with “In the distant ages – millenniums hence – it is not hard to imagine some collector prizing John Flanagan’s medals just as we prize those of ancient Rome.”I am including one picture from each of the aforementioned publications. Copies of all three of these articles will be included with the plaque. For those interested, I am providing short bios further below on both Flanagan and Tolstoy. Internet searches will, of course, provide you with much more information and detail.Thanks for looking and good luck!If you have any questions about this item, please feel free to email me. Ask all questions before bidding.Free Priority shipping with insurance.
Please see policy for more information on shipping, insurance, and returns.About John Flanagan:John Flanagan was a sculptor who was known for his designs for coins and medals. He designed both the obverse and reverse sides of the Washington U.S. quarter, issued in 1932. This design continued until 1998. His initials are at the base of Washington’s neck.Flanagan was a studio assistant for Augustus St. Gaudens from 1885-1890. A bronze portrait bust of St. Gaudens by Flanagan exists in several copies and is displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), National Gallery of Art (DC), New York Univeristy. Other works are displayed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum while his extraordinary bronze sculpture, the “Rotunda Clock” with its colored marbles, semi-precious stones, & copper, is located in the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress. About Tolstoy:Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, better known as Leo Tolstoy, was born into an aristocratic Russian family in 1828. His conversion from a dissolute and privileged society author to the non-violent and spiritual anarchist of his latter days was brought about by his experience in the army and Crimean War as well as two trips around Europe in 1857 and 1860–61. He once wrote in a letter to a friend, “The truth is that the State is a conspiracy designed not only to exploit, but above all to corrupt its citizens ... Henceforth, I shall never serve any government anywhere." In the 1870s, Tolstoy experienced a profound moral crisis, followed by what he regarded as an equally profound spiritual awakening. His literal interpretation of the ethical teachings of Jesus, centering on the Sermon on the Mount, caused him to become a fervent Christian anarchist and pacifist. Tolstoy's ideas on nonviolent resistance, expressed in such works as The Kingdom of God Is Within You, were to have a profound impact on such pivotal 20th-century figures as Mohandas Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and James Bevel. His exploration of philosophy and the redeeming salvation of Christianity led to his excommunication from the Russian Orthodox church.
PAYMENT AND SHIPPING POLICY
We are happy to combine shipping on items won within 5 days of each other. If you are bidding on several items, please send an email and we'll get a shipping quote to you.I accept payments by PayPal only. Payment is due within 7 days after close of auction. I usually ship within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment (occasionally it may take longer).Your satisfaction is of utmost importance. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with your purchase, returns are accepted for a full refund minus shipping and handling fees and, for some items, a restocking fee (as reflected in listing). Item must be in its original condition / package and with tags, if applicable. Returns must be made within 14 days after buyer receives merchandise. Buyer should first contact seller if an item is to be returned. Buyer is responsible for return postage with delivery tracking as well as insurance, if included in original shipping. Refund will be sent when product is received.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS· I use eBay's Global Shipping Program for all international purchases..· Please be aware there may be customs charges that the buyer must pay which are not determined by the seller.· Buyers must pay for purchase with PayPal in US dollars only. · Payment is due within 5 days after close of auction. Item usually ships within 2 business days of receiving cleared payment.· Returns are accepted, per attached policy & within 14 days after buyer receives merchandise. Items must be returned in original condition. Buyer is responsible for return Priority postage, insurance and delivery tracking.
