** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

Robert Thomas (American, b. 1970s to 80s). "Walter the Penniless" cast iron, ca. 2010s CE. A fascinating, abstract sculpture cast from iron and entitled "Walter the Penniless." The intriguing piece is comprised of a central vertical shaft with a loop at the top, perhaps representing the head, supported by a lengthy cuboid neck that connects to a cylindrical chest. The chest is then flanked by a pair of iron tubes that curve to form the arms and shoulders, making the figure appear as though his hands are on his hips, which are represented by an openwork square, as he stands on tapering legs that end with a flat, square base. A slender flange extends outwards, perpendicular to the figure's body, just below his hips, making the piece resemble a sword. Robert Thomas is an established blacksmith who studied at the National School of Blacksmithing at Hereford College of the Arts in the United Kingdom. He now lives in South Carolina. Size: 4.8" W x 12.9" H (12.2 cm x 32.8 cm)

Walter Sans Avoir was mistakenly known as Walter the Penniless as his last name literally translates to "Walter without having." "Sans Avoir," however, actually derives from his family motto, which is "Sans Avoir Peur" meaning "without fear." A lieutenant to Peter the Hermit, Walter co-led the People's Crusade at the beginning of the First Crusade. During which, he marshaled his men successfully from France all the way to Belgrade, where they were plundered. He died by allegedly being pierced by 7 arrows or the Seljuk leader Kilij Arslan on October 21st, 1096.

Published in "Anthony Quinn's Eye: A Lifetime of Creating and Collecting Art" by Donald Kuspit, Jay Parini, and Tom Roberts (Bristol, Rhode Island: Bristol House Press, 2004), pages 63 and 158.

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000; ex-Esther Robles Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#169182

A few nicks and abrasions. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina. Old collection label on underside of base. Front of base is inscribed "RT 59."