Presented is a true rarity – as it is something you might only see as a finished product but would never see in the early development stages like this. It is a facial casting (ceramic-like) of Muhammad Ali that he did in the early 1980s.
The purpose was to put life-like bronze statues (of his head) on the collectibles market. They never came to fruition as only a handful of the busts were actually put into production. It was part of the 200 Famous Faces project by Richard Steele. Steele was master creator of life sculptures and Project Director, arranging appointments with Project subjects as well as private life cast commissions. This series was a tribute to “We the People” and commemorated the bicentennial of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The people chosen as part of this project were recognized by the American Spirit Foundation as people with exceptional merit and national significance with educational and historical value.
Each design was sculpted with a life-cast and memorialized their lifetime achievements. This one is of Muhammad Ali. The cast presented here is what the artist Richard Steele worked with during the design process. The length measures approx. 10-1/2″. On the reverse, some of the detailing in black marker on the reverse has chipped off but the majority remains – “#1 of 1st Casting – LIFEMASK OF MUHAMMAD ALI – SEPTEMBER 6, 198?” Included are photos taken from the casting.
This originates from a longtime Ali collector who had countless unique pieces featuring the boxing legend.
| Weight | 5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Authentication |