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Melvin Johansen: Wildlife art bronze and stone sculptures
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A sculptor of remarkable accuracy and observation, Melvin Johansen brings to his work the legacy of his study of the natural world. Born in 1915, Johansen has devoted his life to the celebration of wildlife through organic sculpture. He began his career as a taxidermist with the Snow Museum of Natural History in Oakland, California. In conjunction with his work at the museum, Johansen traveled throughout the Western United States, Mexico and Canada photographing and documenting various species in their natural environments. His work allowed him to study animal anatomy and form with an academic comprehension. The photographs and sketches produced from these trips appeared in several natural history publications and films. |
Melvin Johansen "Amore" Bronze Small: 7" x 11.25" x 10.25"; Large: 11" x 17" x 14" Small: $1900 Large: $3400 |
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Melvin Johansen "Cougar Bust" Bronze Edition of 10 Artist Proofs 11.5" x 8" x 8" $4500 |
Melvin Johansen "Cheetahs" Bronze Edition of 50 14" x 15" x 11" $4600 |
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Melvin Johansen "Cougar in Black" Hand-Sculpted Stone Edition of 100 11" x 6" x 5.5" $4200 |
Melvin Johansen "Cougar in Gray" Hand-Sculpted Stone Edition of 100 11" x 6" x 5.5" $4200 |
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Melvin Johansen "Gathering" Bronze Edition of 10 Artist Proofs (Large) or 250 (Small) Large: 25" x 18" x 13" Small: 16" x 11.5" x 8.5" Large: $12,000 Small: $3600 |
Melvin Johansen "Hasty Exit" Bronze Edition of 50 (Large) or 100 (Small) Large: 23" x 18" x 13" Small: 14.5" x 11.5" x 8" Large: $10,500 Small: $3600 |
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Melvin Johansen "Joint Venture" Bronze Edition of 50 (Lg) or 100 (Sm) Large: 15" x 26" x 11" Small: 9.5" x 18" x 8" Large: $12,000 Small: $4200 |
Melvin Johansen "Lion Relief" Mounted Wall Bronze Edition of 500 22.75" x 23.5" x 8" $3600 |
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Melvin Johansen "Mountain Goat Pair" Bronze Edition of 50 (Lg) or 100 (Sm) Large: 24" x 13" x 16" Small: 15" x 11" x 8" Large: $10,500 Small: $4800 |
Melvin Johansen "Mountain Lion Pair" Bronze Edition of 50 (Large) or 100 (Small) Large: 19" x 28" x 15.5" Small: 10" x 15" x 7.5" Large: $12,000 Small: $3600 |
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Melvin Johansen "Ram Bust" Bronze Edition of 100 13" x 6" x 5" $800 |
Melvin Johansen "Ram Relief" Bronze Edition of 500 16" x 16.75" x 3.75" $900 |
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Melvin Johansen "Resting Ram" Bronze Edition 100 9" x 13" x 8.5" $3200 |
Melvin Johansen "Royalty" Bronze Edition of 50 (Large) or 100 (Small) Large: 25" x 16.75" x 16.75" Small: 14.5" x 10.75" x 10.75" Large: $13,000 Small: $4800 |
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Melvin Johansen "Royalty Relief" Framed Wall Bronze Edition of 500 21" x 21" x 5.5" $2400 |
Melvin Johansen "Seated Grizzly Sow and Cubs" Bronze Edition of 50 (Large) or 100 (Small) Large: 18.5" x 19" x 14" Small: 10" x 12" x 8" Large: $6800 Small: $2200 |
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Melvin Johansen "Spotted Sentinel" Bronze Edition of 50 (Lg) or 100 (Sm) Large: 22" x 18" x 12" Small: 13.75" x 9" x 6.5" Large: $7000 Small: $3200 |
Melvin Johansen "Standing Grizzly Sow and Cub" Bronze Edition of 50 (Large) or 100 (Small) Large: 17" x 14" x 9" Small: 10.5" x 9.5" x 5.5" Large: $3800 Small: $1800 |
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Melvin Johansen "Startled" Bronze Edition of 50 (Lg) or 100 (Sm) Large: 15" x 11.5" x 7" Small: 10.5" x 9" x 5.5" Large: $4600 Small: $2700 |
Melvin Johansen "The Catch" Bronze Edition of 50 12.5" x 11.5" x 8" $4200 |
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Biography of the artist: Melvin Johansen
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In 1972, Johansen retired as Senior Curator of the Natural Sciences Division of the Oakland Museum in order to focus on his artwork. The result was a body of work that represents the animal world with spirit and reverence. Johansen’s unique 
style allows the work to transcend pure representation, and serve as a testimony to the beauty of nature.
Johansen’s figures suggest movement and presence even when the subject is depicted at rest. His appreciation of wildlife, and insight of animal behavior allowed his compositions validity and grace.
With a varied body of work, Johansen’s bronzes represent classic animal sculpture produced of the finest quality. His works are featured in private and public collections throughout the world. Now in his nineties, Johansen resides with his wife Darleen in Northern California, and approves each of his sculptures created by the Johansen Studio.
Melvin Johansen's biography, "A Lifetime Celebrating the Natural World", is available at all galleries consigning his work. A complimentary copy is given with each purchase and details Melvin's life and achievements in the fields of natural preservation and sculpture.Signed and unsigned versions are also available for purchase.