Hughlette Wheeler (American, 1901-1954), Captain Lawton

1935, patinated bronze, signed and dated with title to the terrace edge, with Antioch Art Foundry (Antioch, Ohio) stamp.

16 x 21 x 4 1/4 in.

From the Estate of the late Peggy Augustus, Old Keswick, Virginia

James Hughlette Wheeler (1901-1954), later known as "Tex" and the "Cowboy Sculptor," was born in Florida and spent his childhood working as a cow hand. At age 24, he enrolled in the Cleveland School of Art for sculpture. He displayed a natural aptitude for the medium, and by 1928 his work was shown in the Cleveland Museum of Art. In Ohio he studied under Alexander Blazys (Russian/American, 1894-1963) and was awarded the Herman Matzen Scholarship to study in Europe. While in Paris, Wheeler studied under renowned sculptors Charles Despiau (1874-1946) and Marcel Gimond (1894-1961).

Wheeler quickly rose to fame as his naturalistic sculptures of equestrian and Western subjects were widely commercially appealing and endorsed by his predecessors. Wheeler's work gained international recognition upon entering his work in the sculpture event of the 1932 Summer Olympics art competition. Arguably his most famous work is his statue of famous racehorse, Seabiscuit, commissioned by the horse's owner and wealthy businessman, Charles S. Howard. Wheeler continued to emphasize throughout his career that his work was "for horseman, not critics," perhaps explaining its appeal to horse owners, breeders, and jockeys alike including the accomplished Peggy Augustus.

Some minor areas of rubbing to the patina; underside with some light verdigris spotting.