Lorenzo Ghiglieri's "American Bald Eagle" Bronze & Gold Sculpture
Item Details
A one of a kind 24-karat gold headed eagle sculpture by renowned eagle sculptor, Lorenzo Ghiglieri (American, b 1931) titled Official American Bald Eagle. The original sculpture resides at the White House as part of the permanent collection. This piece is numbered 76 of 200, and was specifically commissioned by the seller in 2000 to be completed using 16 ounces of 24k gold, to cast the gold head and beak; the other 199, however, have only silver heads and beaks, making this an original piece. Ghiglieri is a third generation artist, best known for his wildlife sculpture, and in particular eagles. The eagle is poised on an oak tree branch with acorns and leaves, mounted on a granite base with a gold tone bronze inset band centered around the ledge. The upper branch of the bronze contains 1.01% silver. The base of the statue contains an additional 0.17% silver. The eagle stands 33’ tall with a wingspan of 21’. The sculpture rests on a three-foot solid walnut wood pedestal (see measurement box for specific dimensions). The head of the bird tests as 18k gold and higher; the beak tests as 24k. Based on measurements the beak contains approximately 3.00 – 4.00 ounces of pure gold (24k). The 18k feathered head of the bird contains approximately 12 -13.5 ounces of 24k gold. Overall, the bird’s head has approximately 16.00 ounces of 24k gold. This sculpture was cast of a bronze alloy; the average mixture throughout the bird is 97.52% copper, 0.51% zinc, 0.50% gallium, 0.50% iron, 0.86% manganese and 0.11% silver. The original sculpture was acquired by the White House and remains part of its permanent art collection. The National Wildlife Foundation has officially authorized this sculpture as the ‘most accurate portrayal ever of our national bird’. Follow the link to find out more about the artist and his work.
- This item has been tested and verified by an independent GIA graduate gemologist.
Dimensions
-Complete measurement for statue and base
-Eagle has 21" wingspan, 17" length, 20" length of main branch, 4 1/8″×3 1/4" span of claws;
-Granite base is 15"w x 15"l x 1 5/8"h
-Wood stand is 24"w x 34"h x 18"d.
-24k beak measures 19.40 mm in height and 36.00 mm in length.
-18k feathered head 2" – 2.25" at shortest, and 3.75" – 4" at widest points
Item #
16LEX176-002
Additional Information
