Richard MacDonald (American, b. 1946), Nightfall, Atelier

2012, patinated bronze, edition numbered "316/950" with impressed signature and date to the crescent form terrace, mounted atop a stepped polished stone swivel base with additional etched signature. Included with the Lot is the original box and foam packaging.

16 1/4 x 9 x 8 in.; box 15 x 24 x 14 1/2 in.

Private Collection, Chapel Hill and Greensboro, North Carolina

Cloaked in mystery, the female form of Nightfall intrigues us. Concealed is a beautiful face, but like nightfall itself, all is not revealed. The globes in each hand suggest the arrival of night and the passage of day, but also reference the idea to put the past behind us, and open ourselves to the future. Poised on the scythe shaped moon, the figure of Nightfall strides with strength and purpose. Our eye follows the organic curve of the drapery from the top of the head to the base, a device that generates movement in the piece, countering the direction of the stride and creating dramatic visual tension.

Born in Pasadena, California, MacDonald graduated from Art Center College where he was classically trained. He then became a self-taught sculptor and spent the last 50 years reviving the lost art of figurative sculpture through innovation, passion, and intense commitment. An illustrious career with many awards, honors, and public monuments has resulted in an extensive body of unique works in bronze, including a monumental 26-foot tall bronze installed in Centennial Park, Atlanta for the 1996 Olympic Games, Flair Across America. Now based in Monterey studio, MacDonald has established himself as one of the leading figures in contemporary sculpture. He has his own foundry where he has control over the quality of his sculpture and is represented by Dawson Cole Fine Art.

Good estate condition.