Felix George Weihs de Weldon (American, 1907-2003) The Champion of Freedom

Description:

Felix George Weihs de Weldon (American, 1907-2003)

The Champion of Freedom. Signed, inscribed and dated "Fex de Weldon/sculptor 1987" in the bronze base, stamped "© 87 FM" beside the soldier's left foot, titled on a presentation plaque. Bronze with brown patina, height 12 3/8 in., on a wood plinth. Condition: Dust and dirt to interstices.

N.B. Born in Austria, de Weldon established himself early in his career as a sculptor in Vienna and London. He moved to the U.S. in 1938 and became a citizen in 1945. His most notable work is the bronze Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington Cemetery, which remains "the most famous monument of World War II" (Reynolds 161). Serving in the Navy in WWII, de Weldon was inspired by Joe Rosenthal's photograph of six American soldiers raising a flag at Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. He made a small sculpture of the figure group using local materials, gaining the attention of his commanding officer and eventually of the U.S. Congress, which commissioned him to create the Arlington Cemetery monument, 48 feet in height, which was dedicated in 1954.
Estimate $400-600


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.

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