Arthur Waagen C 1895, Sculpture Of American Boxers

White metal molding Presumably France, around 1895 Arthur Waagen (1869-1910) - Franco-German sculptor Incised signature "Waagen" on the base Figures characteristic of the American-American boxers 'Boston Strong Boy' John Lawrence Sullivan (1858-1918) in combat posture and James Corbett The sides of the rectangular base decorated with reliefs from scenes of mythological battles Total height, 65 cm Very good condition Rare sculpture and piece of boxing history! The highest auction record currently for a Sullivan boxer figure is $ 6,600. . The naturalist figure delights above all in the living representation of the face, breathing determination and confidence. The muscular arms seem full of concentrated energy. The typical pants of the time show elaborate pleats. The base is linked by theme to the figure and displays all the round bas-reliefs with fighting centaurs. The origin of this figure must be seen in the context of the famous boxing match between Sullivan and James John 'Gentleman Jim' Corbett, in which Corbett beat Sullivan in the 21st round at the Olympic Club of New Orleans on September 7, 1892, thus becoming the world heavyweight champion. The work bears the signature of the incised artist "Waagen" on the base. It is in very good condition, Arthur Waagen (1869-1910) The bodies are gilded with gold leaf and the silver bases, one is wearing green pants and the other is red. The sculptor Arthur Waagen spent most of his life in Paris and exhibited in the Salons of 1861 and 1887. He was mainly known for his animal sculptures. His most famous work is the large hunting group "Kabyle on the Return from Hunting", representing a North African hunter with his horse, dogs and prey.