Randolph Rogers (American, 1825-1892) Ruth gleaning

Randolph Rogers (American, 1825-1892) Ruth gleaning A carved white marble figure, the crouching young woman semi-clad in drapery holding a sheaf of wheat over her left arm, her right hand raised, her face turned to sinister, her wavey hair trailing down her left shoulder, kneeling on a circular naturalistic base, on shallow circular plinth, signed to the front right hand side 'Randolf Rogers Rome', and with later applied gilt brass presentation tablet inscribed 'Ruth Gleaning, RANDOLPH ROGERS 1825-1892'. 91cm high, 46cm wide, 44cm deep approximately, raised on a contemporary breche violette marble and cream variegated onyx or breche oniciata column pedestal, the moulded circular top above a plain shaft on conforming base, 99cm high, 48m diameter approximately Footnotes: Born in Waterloo, New York, and famed for his neo-classical works, Rogers moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, as a child. Initially pursuing wood engraving, he struggled to find work in New York City and took a job as a clerk. His employers, recognising his artistic talent, funded his studies in Florence, Italy, where he briefly trained under Lorenzo Bartolini. In 1851, Rogers established a studio in Rome, where he remained until his death. One of his earliest significant works was Ruth Gleaning, dating from 1853, which is the subject of the offered lot. Inspired by the biblical figure of Ruth collecting grain in the fields, the statue was met with great acclaim, and his studio produced up to twenty marble replicas. Like many of his sculptures, Rogers created the original in another material, while skilled Italian artisans in his studio carved the final marble versions under his supervision. The success of Ruth Gleaning helped establish Rogers' reputation, leading to further commissions, including Nydia, the Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii dating from 1853-54, which became even more popular. His career expanded into large-scale public monuments, such as the Columbus Doors for the U.S. Capitol and several Civil War memorials. Rogers was the first American elected to Italy's Accademia di San Luca in 1873, and he was later knighted by King Umberto I in 1884. Tragically, a stroke in 1882 ended his career, and he passed away in 1892. He left his papers and plaster casts of his works to the University of Michigan, and a version of Ruth Gleaning is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * TP * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. TP For auctions held in Scotland: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Constantine, Constantine House, North Caldeen Road, Coatbridge ML5 4EF, Scotland, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please refer to the catalogue for further information. For all other auctions: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing