Lot # 76 - "Tennis Player" bySterett-Gittings Kelsey for Royal Copenhagen

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Start Date/Time: 20-Oct-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 27-Oct-2026 7:15:00 PM
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Description :

An exceptional mid-century modern patinated bronze sculpture depicting a male tennis player, designed by the celebrated American sculptor Sterett-Gittings Kelsey (b. 1941) and produced by the historic Danish manufacture Royal Copenhagen.Originally conceived in 1976, this dynamic work masterfully captures athletic grace, fluid movement, and suspended tension.

The stylized male figure is frozen in mid-motion, leaning back on a single leg with his head and gaze directed upward, precisely preparing for an overhead smash or a powerful serve.The sculpture features a rich, dark brown volcanic-style patina with beautifully highlighted undertones that emphasize the muscle definition and anatomical fluidity characteristic of Kelsey's oeuvre. The bronze plinth is mounted directly onto its original, heavy square base of polished, cream-toned travertine marble.

Artist BackgroundSterett-Gittings Kelsey is a highly regarded American sculptor known for her mastery of the human form in motion, particularly dancers and athletes. Her collaboration with Royal Copenhagen in the mid-1970s resulted in a highly sought-after series of limited-edition bronzes celebrating sports like tennis and golf, blending mid-century modern design with classical figurative precision.


  • Medium: Cast Bronze, Travertine Marble Base
  • Year of Design: 1976
  • Origin: Denmark / USA



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