Vintage Bronze Imperial Mammoth Figure - William Wm. Otto - La Brea Tar Pits Series - Circa 1950s to 1960s - C3070

Summary

A vintage bronze Imperial Mammoth figure by William Wm. Otto, from the La Brea Tar Pits prehistoric animal series produced around the late 1950s and 1960s. Cast with the maker's mark to the inside of one leg and finished with a dark brown patina showing olive green tones.

Description

A vintage bronze figure of an Imperial Mammoth by William Wm. Otto, produced as part of the La Brea Tar Pits prehistoric animal series.

The mammoth is modelled standing with its head slightly lowered, long curving tusks projecting forward and the trunk raised between them. The modelling is naturalistic rather than stylised, with particular attention given to the head, ears, folds of the skin and stance.

The surface carries a dark brown patination with olive green undertones. A cast maker's mark is present to the inside of one leg.

William Otto was a sculptor and museum preparator associated with palaeontological display work in Southern California. During the late 1950s and into the 1960s he produced a series of small bronze prehistoric animal sculptures inspired by the Pleistocene fauna represented at the La Brea Tar Pits. Period examples are recorded as having been sold through the museum shop associated with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The series included a number of Ice Age animals represented in the La Brea fossil record - mammoth, mastodon, sabre toothed cat, dire wolf, ground sloth, bison, camel, horse and teratorn.

The mammoth form is generally described in surviving listings as the Imperial Mammoth, although related examples are sometimes referred to as Columbian mammoths. The La Brea Tar Pits are particularly associated with Columbian mammoth remains, and the museum continues to display and research important mammoth finds from the site.

Condition

Very good vintage condition. The bronze retains an attractive dark brown patina with olive tones and small areas of natural variation.

Approximate Measurements

• Length: 12cm [4.72in]
• Weight: 506g [17.85oz]
• Material: Bronze
• Subject: Imperial Mammoth
• Artist: William Wm. Otto
• Series: La Brea Tar Pits prehistoric animal series
• Date: Circa late 1950s to 1960s
• Mark: Cast maker's mark to inner leg

C3070 SP26-1

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