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John Coleman (b. 1949) 53 inches overall height
Lot 251

John Coleman (b. 1949) 53 inches overall height

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000
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$5,000
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Artist: John Coleman; Title: Man's Prelude To Honor; Medium: Bronze, cast 12/25; Dimensions: 53 inches overall height; Signed: Signed and dated; Framed/Base: 53 x 28 x 21 inches - 175 lbs.
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Overall Dimensions
Height: 53.00
Width: 28.00
Depth: 21.00
Weight: 175.00

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Provenance:   Private collection, California  
 
This is one of the first bronzes Coleman created in the very early days of his sculpting career. In a 2010 article in Western Art Collector, John Geraghty chronicles the creation of this important piece. Of the piece, Coleman says, “"In preparation for the morning ride, a Sioux warrior adorns himself with the symbols of his past glories.  He wears his personal medicine for power and with ceremonial lance and shield, he dances for war.”  
 
“He visualized a single Plains Indian figure performing a war dance, and with Sue's help, they researched the war dance ceremonials, proper costumes and artifacts. He took numerous photographs of a live model, drew several images from various angles, and sculpted two or three small studies. He had a difficult time resisting the temptation to just jump in and start the project, but recognized the importance of eliminating preliminary errors and developing a design and composition that could be fully appreciated from all sides.   
 
From the preliminary drawings, studies and mental visualization, he had already determined the title, Man's Prelude to Honor, when finally he decided on the attitude of the form. John constructed a substantial armature and began to apply the sculpting clay. His attention remained focused on his original visual concept and alternative ideas surfaced, keeping him alert and stimulated. Modification of facial expressions, artifacts, creation of areas to capture light and shadows to influence detail became part of the finished clay image.   
 
After several weeks of developing the image, John spent a number of days tediously modifying the final clay image until he was satisfied. Man's Prelude to Honor was his first major bronze. Comments from foundry workers and friends were positive, and John and Sue were delighted. This had been a significant effort, with John putting his heart and soul into this work, and the foundry workers had sensed his dedication and each made a concerted effort to assure the process of forming the molds and casting procedures were impeccable.   
 
Man's Prelude to Honor would be an important step forward in the career of John Coleman, the artist. Upon the initial exposure of Man's Prelude to Honor to the art community, a collector from San Francisco called and purchased the bronze for $18,000, which was certainly the largest sale in John's fledgling art career.”

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