Skip to main content

Gutzon Borglum Commemorative Tondo "Remember the Maine" Up for Auction

Gutzon Borglum (1871-1941) “Remember the Maine”


 I received an interesting phone call today at our gallery Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery from an unknown source notifying me of a major historical commemorative tondo marquetry carving coming up for auction next week in Madrid, Spain. The caller was pretty adamant about having the piece purchased and brought back to the United States where it belongs instead of potentially having it purchased and remaining in Spain. That's the reason for writing this blog, so for all of you Spanish American collectors and museums take notice.

The auction house Alcala Subastas lists this item in their February 16 & 17, 2011 auction catalog, lot # 206 with the description: Gutzon Borglum (1871-1941) “Remember the Maine” Tondo commemorating the victims of the sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. Tropical wood marquetry depicting the American eagle on the obverse and the reverse geometric marquetry woods.  A tondo is a Renaissance term for a circular work of art, either a painting or a sculpture. The word derives from the Italian rotondo, "round." This tondo measures 91 cm. in diameter or a hair shy of 36 inches, is inscribed around the outer edge, "ONLY THOSE FIT TO LIVE DO NOT FEAR TO DIE" and "HABANA YACHT CLUB" below.

Many collectors may ask "so what's so special about this piece? Thousands of items were produced after the end of the Spanish American War celebrating America’s coming out party as a world power." Read my recent blog titled "Spanish American War Collectibles- USS Maine & USS Olympia Frosted Glass Windows".  What makes this item special is that it is a commissioned piece produced for the Habana Yacht Club by the famous American sculpture Gutzon Borglum. For those of you not familiar with Borglum, he was the artist that created the monumental presidents' heads at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, the famous carving on Stone Mountain near Atlanta, as well as other public works of art. Here's a link to Wikipedia about (John) Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum.

Photograph of Gutzon Borglum, circa 1919.
 This is all that we have been able to put together (quickly) in order to get the word out in a timely manner. Please let us know if you have any other information to include about this Borglum work of art. We  also hope this information will encourage an American buyer to pursue this exceptional piece and bring it back to the USA. So, if you're interested in this item and buy it, please send me an E-mail and let us know. Good luck!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Marine Artist Bob Holland Captures the Essence of our Maritime History

The Bounty, Greenport, New York.  Limited edition Giclee reproduction From original watercolor . Image size 20"x 27"      I met Bob Holland for the first time in 2009 at his studio in  d’ART CENTER in Norfolk, Virginia. We were about to open an exhibit titled "Celebrating our Maritime Heritage" as part of the 20th Annual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and our first annual "Schooner Days" events held in conjunction with the Schooner Race here in Olde Towne Portsmouth. As a Hampton Roads native, I've grown accustom to seeing the art work of this well known artist and I really wanted to have Bob Holland's marine artwork in our gallery and as part of this exhibit. "The Eagle" USCG United States Coast Guard New London, Connecticut. Limited edition Giclee reproduction from original watercolor. Image size 20"x27"      Bobby Burnell, another exceptional marine artist that we represent had just delivered to us a few  new pain...
Post a Comment
Read more

J. Robert Burnell: Reflections of the Famed Portsmouth Artist

"The Captain's House" by J. Robert Burnell Portsmouth artist J. Robert Burnell (Bobby) grew up around the water in a family of watermen, and sailing his own boat since he was ten years old. He has sailed on nearly every type of workboat on the Chesapeake Bay.  It's no wonder that Burnell's love of the water reflects so naturally in his marine paintings.  Bobby Burnell is recognized for his vivid depictions of life on the Chesapeake Bay.  The subject is his favorite - each piece open and honest, providing a unique understanding of its mood and people. 'The Captain's House' by Burnell is shown above. One of the largest collections of Burnell's marine art is on exhibit at Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery   and his works are on display in their showroom year-round. "Scott's Creek- Circa 1915 by J. Robert Burnell One of the keys to Burnell's success on the canvas is the work he does outside the studio.  Burnell believe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Art Gallery Relocates to 620 High Street

Recently moved from the riverfront, Skipjack Nautical Wares new showroom is larger and features a more visible storefront. R eferred to by our customers as Skipjack 4.0, this is the fourth store location in Coastal Virginia and is  now located at 620 High Street in historic downtown (Olde Towne) Portsmouth, Virginia.  Skipjack Nautical Wares previous riverfront store located at 1 High Street adjacent to the High Street basin and the Hog Island Lighthouse Lens Pavilion in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. The number one question asked today by visitors and customers alike is "Why did you move from your riverfront location?" For those that are knowledgeable of our history, it does make sense to wonder why. The simple answer is, the building was sold and the new owners are renovating the building and converting into luxury apartments. Our lease was until the end of September 2015 which gave us 6 months from time of notice to find a new location and move. With numerous tr...
Post a Comment
Read more