Gladiator and Jester, Brutalist Sculptures in Mixed Metal, 1966-1967

Superlative examples of welded, Brutalist sculptures from the 1960s, this pairing of Gladiator and “King’s Clown” were executed in steel, brass and slate by B. O’Byrne. The sculptor was able to achieve great detail in each piece, including the ray of brass ‘feathers’ radiating from the gladiator’s helmet, and the tiny jester’s head at the end of the staff held by the king’s clown. Somehow they are powerful and sensual at the same time. Both pieces are mounted on slate and signed by the artist.

Dimensions
Height: 21 in. (53.34 cm)
Width: 10 in. (25.4 cm)
Depth: 9 in. (22.86 cm)