Substantial Hand-Carved Marble Owl Sculpture by Frank McGuire, Taos, New Mexico

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A substantial hand-carved marble owl sculpture by listed Taos, New Mexico artist Frank McGuire (b. 1938), whose work reflects the … Read more A substantial hand-carved marble owl sculpture by listed Taos, New Mexico artist Frank McGuire (b. 1938), whose work reflects the enduring tradition of Southwestern studio stone carving.

Carved from a single solid block of white marble, this impressive sculpture embodies the rich artistic heritage of the American Southwest. Standing nearly twenty inches tall and weighing well over 100 pounds, it possesses a commanding architectural presence while retaining the quiet dignity and timeless appeal associated with traditional wildlife sculpture.

The stylized owl is distinguished by its powerful forward-facing gaze, deeply carved brow lines, and finely articulated talons. Richly textured surfaces across the body contrast beautifully with the smooth, polished facial planes, creating a compelling interplay of light, shadow, and natural stone. This balance between hand-tooled texture and refined polish is a hallmark of accomplished stone carving, emphasizing both the sculptor's craftsmanship and the organic character of the marble, with its subtle natural veining and tonal variation.

Presented on its original shaped wood plinth, carefully carved to conform to the sculpture's footprint, the work has an unmistakable sculptural and architectural quality. Its simplified geometric form and substantial scale allow it to complement a wide range of interiors, from Southwestern and rustic settings to organic modern, minimalist, and contemporary spaces.

Acquired from a Palm Springs estate, the sculpture is believed to have been originally purchased in New Mexico, consistent with Frank McGuire's long association with Taos and the region's celebrated studio art movement. It represents an exceptional example of late twentieth-century Southwestern studio sculpture by an established regional artist.

An outstanding statement piece for collectors of Southwestern art, studio sculpture, and architecturally scaled stone carvings. See less