Bronze Hound's Art Collection: Doug McDonald (contemporary)

This spectacular polychromatic bronze bust of Red Cloud by Connecticut artist Doug McDonald was a very happy find and a very lucky win! The seller had it listed as a "bookend, but I only have one." Well, being number 9 of 15 ever made, this is far from a bookend. I think that's why no one else bid against me - who wants only one bookend? In my opinion, anyone treating a fine work of art such as this in such a cavalier manner should really be talked to.

Doug McDonald's background is in fine arts, having worked for years in his family's brass sculpture business. These days he runs a company called Yankee Ingenuity in Lyme, Connecticut as a higher end contractor and home renovation specialist. A link to his website is to the right. He applies his artist's eye to construction projects and has an impressive portfolio. While it does not seem that he has been sculpting in bronze since the mid-80's, he clearly still flexes his artistic "muscles" in every job he takes on.

This sculpture depicts Red Cloud (Maȟpíya Lúta in Lakota, 1822-1909), an Ogllala Lakota warrior and chief who fought very successfully against the invading US army but eventually signed the Treaty of Ft. Laramie and lead his people into reservation life. He was very highly respected during his lifetime and his memory is still revered today. His descendents continue to be named as leaders in their tribes and bands.

This bronze was sculpted in 1984 and is number 9 of 15. It is quite large. The level of detail shows the artist's deep dedication to his work, and the many different patinas shows a mastery in that regard as well. It's an amazing piece. Truly, words fail me when I try to describe this beautiful sculpture. Enjoy!