james fraser bronze storm driven

[Fred]

First time here, and need help, I have come across a bronze by James Fraser "Storm Driven" it is 18" tall, on the lower left front of the base is"Modern Art FDRY N Y 1918, on the lower left back of the base is a circle with a C inside and #3 Syracuse University, and it's titled "Storm Driven" James Earl Fraser, 1876-1953. It was purchased in the late 1950's or early 60's in New York. There is no paper work on the purchase price or anything else. Anyone have a idea of value? Thanks Fred

[fritchie]

I greatly admire the work of James Earle Fraser, and I read a substantial book or article about his life many years ago. This one could be authentic and valuable, but you should know that his pieces have been copied probably thousands of times, and the copies may go for just a hundred or so dollars each (even less).

The c in a circle sounds like a copyright mark, but in a fake, everything is fake. I believe he sold only a few pieces in his lifetime, and friends helped his widow arrange production of authorized copies so she would have some sustenance later. I don‘t remember details.

[JasonGillespie]

I was unable to find anything definite on 'Storm Driven', but you might go to the link below and look at what they can offer in the way of helping you with your seach. It is an American artists blue book subscriber site, but they might be worth the money if you haven't had any luck thus far. If you look at their images of Fraser's work they do have an example of 'Storm Driven', but you are expected to pay to find out more. Its all about money. (Try the second link first though...it's free)

http://www.askart.com/askart/artist.aspx?artist=88871


This second link is to a gallery that has been buying and selling Fraser's work since 1978. You might be able to save the money by calling them and describing your find to them. They would most likely know the significance of the inscriptions on your version...hopefully.

http://www.altermann.com/index.htm

Good luck and post the results of your search whenever you do figure it out.

[fritchie]

Fred - Thanks to Jason's work, it seems your piece may be a reissue cast by Modern Art Foundry. That, is, IF it's not a fake by some later group. One of his references provides that information..