266

Gerald Balciar (1942- ), Canyon King, 1998
Dimensions: 43 1/2 x 32 x 17
Framed/base Dimensions: 77 1/2 x 32 x 32
Signature: inscribed: G. Balciar 1998

Colorado Yule marble
43 1/2 x 32 x 17 in.

  • Provenance: From a Private Collection
  • Exhibited: Eye on the Prize, Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, GA, September 23, 2023 – January 14, 2024
  • Notes:

    Born in 1942 in northern Wisconsin, acclaimed sculptor Gerald Balciar's interest in art and animals was evident from a young age. He spent his formative years observing deer, ducks, and other wildlife in the woods near his home. Grounded in an in-depth knowledge of animals—his extensive library of wildlife material includes photos, magazine clippings, books, and numerous study casts—his sculptures highlight the gentle side of wildlife and evoke a sense of connection between humans and the natural world.

    Balciar’s sculpture is characterized by flowing lines, rounded curves, and gentle, often playful, expressions that highlight an animal’s personality. “It is more important to show what animals feel than to show every hair and feather.”His work is also notable for utilizing negative space and possessing a strong silhouette from every angle.

    Canyon King is a 2008 commission inspired by Balciar’s most well-known work, the monumental-sized Canyon Princess in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Canyon King stands nearly seven feet tall including the base, and the cougar is carved from a single block of Colorado Yule marble. The quarry, near Aspen, produced the marble for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and parts of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

    Carved first with a hydraulic chain saw with a diamond-studded chain, Canyon King was refined using silica carbide grinding wheels, disks, and carbide burrs in high-speed rotary air tools. To accomplish the cougar’s smooth finish, Balciar spent countless hours hand-sanding with silica carbide wet/dry paper. The result is exquisite: brilliantly composed and executed—from the cougar’s flawless polish to the meticulously textured crag it rests upon—and sculpturally arresting from every angle.

  • Condition: The sculpture appears to be in very good condition. The marble veneer base appears to be in very good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Jackson Hole Art Auction may, in its discretion and at a purchaser's request, package and ship items as directed by the purchaser. In such event, purchaser agrees to the following conditions:

a. All such packaging, handling and shipping is at the sole risk of the purchaser, and Jackson Hole Art Auction shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items.

b. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping.

September 13, 2025 10:00 AM MDT
Jackson, WY, US

Jackson Hole Art Auction

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $1,000,000:
20.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 $999,999 $50,000
$1,000,000 + $100,000