10-26-201710-26-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
October 26, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
134

The Biter Bit Bronze Sculpture by Karl Muller

Sell one like this
$5,228$4,250
Auction: Sale #3034M - 3034MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: October 26, 2017 10:00AM

Description:

The Biter Bit Bronze Sculpture by Karl Muller, c. 1864, depicting an African American soldier with a dead dog on his bayonet, marked on the front "The Biter Bit. 1863," and on the right side "K MULLER/1864," and on the top of the pedestal "P.E. Guerlin Manufacturer NY," with a carte-de-visite of the sculpture and green-painted base, sculpture ht. 30 in.

Provenance: The collection of Nicholas A. Penachio.

Note: Southern troops later in the war employed the use of bloodhounds to attack black troops as they had with escaped slaves. An excerpt from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, dated March 5, 1864, mentions this "An affair at Pocatalego, in December, showed the uselessness of the canine auxiliaries of rebellion. As the rebels attacked the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the bloodhounds rushed upon them, but were soon shot or speared on the bayonets of the men, who held aloft, with no little exultation, the beasts that had been so long a terror to their race."
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Sculpture is in very fine condition.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Frank Leslie, Nicholas A. Penachio, Karl Muller