WILLIAM COOPER (AMERICAN 1853-1942)
Bust of Friedrich T. Gates, 1910
bronze with dark brown patina
height: 77.5 cm. (30 1/2 in.)
inscribed with title and date on the back, Roman Bronze Works N.Y. foundry mark on base

LOT NOTES
"Sculptor William Couper of New York recently has completed this notable portrait bust of Federick T. Gates, who for nearly eighteen years has served as "business and benevolent representative" for John D. Rockefeller. Mr. Gates is entitled to the title "Rev." before his name. He became a Baptist preacher in 1880 and for eight years was pastor of the Central Church, Minneapolis. Then for five years he was corresponding secretary for the American Baptist Educational society, for which society be established the University of Chicago, founded by Mr. Rockefeller. Then the latter took over Mr. Gates and established him at 26 Broadway, New York, where the Standard Oil people have headquarters. Mr. Gates is president, manager or director of several railway, industrial, educational and charitable organizations founded by his employer. His post as chairman of the general educational board, with many Rockefeller millions to expend, is his most important function." - Warren Times Mirror, March 13, 1911.

PROVENANCE
Collection of Bernard Winters, Armonk, New York

LITERATURE
Warren Times Mirror, Monday March 13, 1911, P. 1

Bernard J. Winters was a philanthropist and art collector who was captivated by Russian icons. Over a fifty-year period, he worked closely with Sotheby`s, Christie`s, and private collectors to cultivate his collection. His monumental icons, as well as those purchased from Natalie Hays Hammond, daughter of John Hays Hammond, diplomat, were some of his favored items.