$7,500
Frederick Edward (F. E.) McWilliam (Irish, 1909-1992), "Bird Watcher I"-1964, bronze with black patina, from an edition of five, inscribed with initials and numbered "McW 1/5" on base. Surrealist figural sculpture depicting seated figure with arms raised to hold binoculars to eyes, one knee bent in support of the weight of right arm. Approximate height 10", width 5.75", depth 5". Provenance: Waddington Galleries, London, whereby acquired by the Estate of Joseph Gilbert of Atlanta, Georgia on 12/12/69. Copy of purchase receipt available upon request. Literature: Ferran and Holman, The Sculpture of F.E. McWilliam (Lund Humphries: 2012), ills. p.140. Note: McWilliam was a friend and contemporary of sculptor Henry Moore; his work is characterized by his Surrealist rendering of figures and forms. This particular was the first edition in a series of three ornithological sculptures depicting bird watchers produced by the artist in 1964.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2016-05-01
