Appeal to the Great Spirit Sculpture Value Guide

The Appeal to the Great Spirit is the poignant final installment of Cyrus Dallin's 'The Epic of the Indian' series, originally cast as a monument for Boston's Museum of Fine Arts in 1909. These bronze reductions, authorized between 1913 and 1925, are highly collectible for their masterful depiction of a Native American on horseback in a moment of spiritual supplication.

What Is Appeal to the Great Spirit Sculpture Worth?

The typical price range for Appeal to the Great Spirit Sculpture is $1,450 - $1,600 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The quality and preservation of the original dark brown or greenish patina significantly impact the market price.
• Foundry marks from prestigious makers like Gorham Co. increase the desirability and value compared to later, unauthorized recasts.
• The physical size of the reduction, with larger 21-inch casts commanding higher prices than the more common 9-inch desktop versions.
• The overall condition of the fine details, particularly the horse's musculature and the figure's outstretched fingers.

How to Identify Appeal to the Great Spirit Sculpture?

• Verify the presence of the 'C.E. Dallin' signature and the date, typically found on the base of the bronze casting.
• Check for the Gorham Co. Founders mark or other reputable foundry stamps common to early 20th-century authorized editions.
• Examine the patina for authentic age-related wear, which should appear consistent with bronze produced between 1913 and 1925.
• Measure the height of the reduction, as Dallin authorized specific sizes including approximately 9-inch and 21-inch versions.

History of Appeal to the Great Spirit Sculpture

This work is the final installment of Cyrus Dallin's four-piece series titled The Epic of the Indian. The original full-sized monument was cast in 1909 and stands in front of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Following its massive success, Dallin authorized numerous smaller reductions in various sizes, which became staple decorative pieces in American homes during the early 20th century.