Mahonri MacKintosh Young "Elephant" Cast Bronze Bookends
Item Details
Mahonri MacKintosh Young (American, 1877-1957)
Elephant, circa 1913
Cast bronze
Signed in mold at base
Q469, number 8
Gorham Co. Founders
20th Century
Considered Utah’s most famous New York-based artist, Mahonri MacKintosh Young was the grandson of Bringham Young, second leader of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) and Governor of Utah. Young practiced modeling animals from clay at an early age, and later was recognized for his drawing ability, which encouraged him to become an illustrator. He studied drawing under James T. Harwood before working as a staff artist for the Salt Lake Tribune and the old Salt Lake Herald. Young saved enough money to move to New York and study at the Art Students League under artist Kenyon Cox. He then traveled to Paris and studied at the Acádemie Julian, Acádemie Delecluse, and the Acádemie Colarossi, where he realized his talent in sculpting and etching. He returned to New York and taught at the Art Student’s League and worked for the American Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair in 1939, which featured his Factory Worker and his Farm Worker in the decorative architecture. While working in New York City, Young became associated with ‘The Eight’ and the Ashcan School. After being commissioned by the American Museum of Natural History to model groups of Arizona Indian figures, he continued to create many sculptures of Indians, cowboys, and animal life. In addition, he especially became known for his sculptures and paintings of boxers, laboring figures, and religious subjects. Young was the first Utah artist to have his work exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In addition, his wok has been exhibited and collected by multiple institutions including the Springville Museum of Art, the Brigham Young University Museum of Art, and the Addison Gallery of American Art, among others.
Condition
- overall patina; scratches at base of each; some finish loss.
Dimensions
- measurement of one.
Item #
ITMG110756
