Plaque celebrating Theodore Roosevelt, 1920. Bronze. Entitled, "The Roosevelt Bas-Relief," by James Earle Fraser. Decorative Arts League, New York.
Portrait of Roosevelt in right profile above cartouche bearing the legend, "AGGRESSIVE FIGHTING FOR/ THE RIGHT IS THE NOBLEST/ SPORT THE WORLD AFFORDS." Signed by the artist with 1920 copyright, upper right corner. Paper label verso reads: "The Roosevelt Bas-Relief. By James Earle Fraser. Copyrighted. Patent Applied For. All Rights Reserved. DECORATIVE ARTS LEAGUE. 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. Trade - DecArtS - Mark."
Issued shortly after Roosevelt's death, quoting from a 1910 speech at Sorbonne University. Fraser apprenticed under Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and is best known for his Western Americana subjects, notably the iconic "End of the Trail" sculpture and the Buffalo nickel. This plaque had a very low casting of fewer than 100 copies. Multiple auction records over $1000, and as high as $3000. Choice example with excellent patina and most of the original label intact.
NOTE: Due to weight, express delivery must be quoted based on destination. Must ship to a U.S. address.
