The Last Arrow, 1879
Bronze, weathered green and brown patina
45 H. x 51 ½ W. x 21 D. inches
Signed: Randolph Rogers / Rome
Inscribed: Fonderia Nelli / Roma 1881
This sculpture,
The Last
Arrow
, was the final ideal figure by Randolph Rogers. He modeled the group of two Indians and a rearing horse in 1879 and had it cast in Rome the following year. Three castings were executed between 1880 and 1881, and an original full-scale plaster model exists.
In the lower portion of the composition, one Indian has fallen to the ground underneath the rearing horse and figure above him. The mounted figure is poised to shoot his last arrow at the unseen approaching enemy. Rogers portrayed the subject of the American Indian on three occasions over his career. This work bridges a gap between American 19th century Neoclassical sculpture and American Western Art.
Collections:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, bronze, 1880
Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio, bronze, (undated)
University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbour, Michigan, plaster
The present casting illustrated was recently acquired by
TiA Collection.
This distinguished New Mexico collection has a forward-looking view of sharing its collection with the public through exhibitions, publications and loans to institutions. A wide range of artists and movements are represented, including Impressionism, Modernism, Contemporary, photography, American Indian and Western art, plus a range of international art. American institutions that have benefited from loans include amongst others, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Heard Museum, Tucson Museum of Art, Autry Museum of the American West, Joslyn Museum, Dayton Art Institute, and Buffalo Bill Museum - Center of the West.
