Overview
A small-scale bronze sculpture capturing an intimate, tender moment of motherhood with fluid, impressionistic modeling.
Preliminary identification
Bronze 'Mother and Child' Study, attributed to Robert Ingersoll Aitken, c. 1915
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Robert Aitken was a giant of American public art, responsible for the massive figures guarding the U.S. Supreme Court, yet he found his most profound inspiration in the quietude of the human form.
Maker / Origin
Robert Ingersoll Aitken (1878–1949) was a San Francisco-born sculptor who became one of the most influential figures in the National Sculpture Society.
Condition & Value
The bronze appears to have its original dark patina with some natural 'rubbing' on the extremities, which is desirable. There are small traces of oxidation (verdigris) in the deeper recesses; this should be left alone as it proves age. The integrity of the casting remains excellent.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD