Robert Louis Stevenson Plaque Value Guide

This 1893 bronze plaque is a poignant collaboration between master sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and famed author Robert Louis Stevenson. Created during Stevenson's battle with tuberculosis, these portraits are highly collectible for their intimate portrayal of the author's intellectual spirit and frail physical state.

What Is Robert Louis Stevenson Plaque Worth?

The typical price range for Robert Louis Stevenson Plaque is $5,000 - $6,000 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 bronze patina significantly impact the $5,000-$6,000 valuation.
• Provenance linking the piece to early American art collections or Stevenson scholars can increase market demand.
• The condition of the wood mounting and whether it is original to the 1893 casting affects the final price.
• Casting crispness, particularly in the text inscriptions and facial features, determines the desirability for high-end collectors.

How to Identify Robert Louis Stevenson Plaque?

• Look for the signature of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the specific date of 1893 cast into the bronze.
• Examine the relief for fine details in the author's hands and the cigarette smoke, which are hallmarks of Saint-Gaudens' craftsmanship.
• Verify the presence of the original wood mounting, as many of these plaques were designed to be displayed on specific wooden backings.
• Check for the distinct low-relief style that characterizes Saint-Gaudens' late 19th-century American sculptural work.

History of Robert Louis Stevenson Plaque

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. He is best known for works like "Treasure Island," "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," and "Kidnapped." Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a prominent American sculptor, created several portraits of Stevenson, often depicting him in frail health due to tuberculosis. These plaques capture Stevenson's intellectual and artistic spirit, even during his illness.