201: CARL AKELEY (1864-1926) BRONZE SCULPTURE TITLED 'STUNG'

The bronze sculpture of an elephant encountering and dispatching a snake, signed Carl E. Akeley and dated 1914, inscribed title 'Stung' on the base. Further lettered with the founder's mark of Roman Bronze Works, N.Y. along the base. Measures 8.5 x 4 x 8.5 inches.
Carl Ethan Akeley was a fascinating explorer, hunter and pioneer in the field of modern day taxidermy. There are many wild tales of his encounters including an episode of hand-to-hand combat with a Leopard, which Akeley survived to taxidermy the big cat. He was largely self taught as an artist and belonged to the National Sculpture Society, the New York Architectural League, and the National Institute of Social Sciences.
The figure's tail, which was most likely cast separately and applied at the time of creation has loosened or been broken loose and now appears to have an amateur repair. Otherwise very good and in the original dark brown/black patina.
$2,000 - $4,000