Ivan Meštrović Painted Plaster Model for Fountain, Circa 1940s

Item Details

Ivan Meštrović (Croatian, 1883 – 1962)
Model for fountain, circa 1940s
Painted plaster
Signed to the underside of base
Inscription to the underside of base

Provenance: Collection of the Artist; Gifted to Michael Scope (Studio Assistant and student at University of Notre Dame); Estate of Michael Scope; Private Collection (acquired from the above).

A unique original plaster maquette for a proposed fountain by Ivan Meštrović (1883–1962). The vertical composition depicts a central spire-like rock formation with ascending figurative elements culminating in a dynamic peak. Metal wires protrude from the base and sides, modeling the intended trajectory of water jets. The surface is finished in a grey wash to simulate stone or bronze. The work bears the specific inscription NO SADDLES ON THEIR BACKS modeled directly into the side of the base. Retains an affixed typed label on the underside detailing the history of the work as a gift from Meštrović to his student and studio assistant, Michael Scope.

Artist Significance & Period: Ivan Meštrović is widely regarded as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, often compared to Rodin. This work comes from his final period (1955–1962) while in residence at the University of Notre Dame. Works from this specific American chapter of his life are historically significant as they represent his late style, which often returned to religious or monumental humanist themes.

‘Proposed’ Nature: As a maquette for a proposed fountain, this piece is a unique document of the artist’s creative process. The inscription NO SADDLES ON THEIR BACKS suggests a specific thematic requirement for the commission—likely emphasizing freedom or the untamed nature of the subject. Plaster maquettes are highly prized by academic collectors and institutions for their ‘hand of the artist’ immediacy.

Scholar’s Note: ’This unique plaster maquette represents a fascinating, unrealized chapter in the late career of Ivan Meštrović (1883–1962). Executed during his tenure as Sculptor-in-Residence at the University of Notre Dame (1955–1962), this work stands in dynamic contrast to the predominantly religious monumental commissions that defined his final years.

While Meštrović is celebrated for his early masterpiece, The Fountain of Life (1905) in Zagreb, late-period fountain designs by the artist are exceptionally rare. Extensive research into his public commissions indicates that this specific design—characterized by its vertical, spire-like composition and equestrian motifs—was likely never realized in bronze or stone. Consequently, this maquette serves as the sole three-dimensional record of this creative vision.

The cryptic inscription NO SADDLES ON THEIR BACKS modeled directly into the base, suggests a specific thematic requirement for the proposed commission: a celebration of the untamed spirit or liberty, devoid of human subjugation. Given the direct provenance from the artist to his studio assistant, Michael Scope, this piece offers collectors an intimate glimpse into the ‘Rodin of the Balkans’ private studio process—capturing a fleeting artistic impulse that was never diluted by the compromises of public fabrication.’

Condition

- minor wear to base to corners.

Dimensions

- measurements include base.

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Item #

ITMGS50025