A Masterpiece of American Sculpture from a distinguished Private Collection.
We are pleased to present a rare opportunity to acquire The Sun Vow (1899) by Hermon Atkins MacNeil (American, 1866–1947), a bronze widely recognized as one of the most important sculptures of the golden age of American sculpture. With its deep cultural resonance, technical precision, and distinguished institutional pedigree, The Sun Vow stands among the most iconic works of American art from the turn of the 20th century.
Hermon Atkins MacNeil
(American, 1866-1947)
The Sun Vow
1899
Bronze
34.5 x 25 x 16 in.
Signed to verso
Titled to side
Roman Bronze Foundry stamp to base
A Work of Enduring Significance
Held in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Denver Art Museum, and the Gilcrease Museum, The Sun Vow has long been celebrated for its idealized yet respectful portrayal of Native American ritual. The composition depicts an elder guiding a young boy’s hand in a symbolic offering to the sun, capturing a moment of mentorship, spiritual reverence, and cultural transmission. Exhibited to acclaim at the 1900 Paris Exposition and the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, this work is both a technical achievement and a powerful narrative statement.
About the Artist
Hermon Atkins MacNeil (1866–1947) played a central role in defining American sculpture at a moment of national self-discovery. Trained in the Beaux-Arts tradition, he translated classical form into distinctly American narratives, most notably through works that honored Native American life and ritual. Beyond The Sun Vow, MacNeil’s legacy includes the Justice pediment at the U.S. Supreme Court, the McKinley Monument, and the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter. His work gave sculptural form to ideals of heritage, civic virtue, and national identity, making him one of the most consequential sculptors of his generation.
Cast by Roman Bronze Works
This example was produced by Roman Bronze Works, the foremost American art foundry of the early 20th century, known for its fine patination and detailed lost-wax castings. Early casts such as this, commissioned by or directly overseen by MacNeil, are exceptionally scarce on the market and highly desirable for collectors and institutions alike.
Market & Collection Relevance
Major auction appearances of The Sun Vow are few, a testament to its institutional absorption and collector retention. Its rarity, scale, and provenance from a respected private collection make this offering notable. At just under 3 feet tall, the bronze has a commanding presence yet remains appropriate for both residential and institutional display. It serves as a touchstone for collections focused on historic American sculpture, civic art, or culturally resonant figural bronzes.
Now Available
Offered now from a distinguished private collection, this example of The Sun Vow is an increasingly rare opportunity to own a significant bronze of American art history. With institutional pedigree, it holds strong appeal for collectors of historic American sculpture, museum-quality works, and culturally significant objects.
We welcome inquiries from serious collectors and curators. For availability, pricing, and high-resolution images, please contact:
Marie St. Germain
Director of Private Sales
marie@arcadiaappraisals.com
