Hi Shannon,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Dennis V. Smith (born 1942) is an American sculptor known for small bronze figurative works, especially those depicting children, families, and everyday human moments. His sculptures became popular with collectors in the late 20th century, particularly through gallery editions and limited-run bronzes.

He was born in Alberta, Canada, and later became active in the United States art market. He trained in fine art and sculpture and began producing figurative bronzes in the 1970s–1980s, a period when small collectible bronze sculptures were widely marketed through galleries.

The theme of children playing was one Smith returned to again and again and many of the works by him that have come to auction follow this same theme.

Artprice notes that the artist's best sales come from auctions in Switzerland, though no explanation for that is given.

While this was made in a fairly large run of 30, I can't find other examples from this run that have sold at auction, though based on the sales of other bronzes by Smith, this would probably sell at auction between $1,000 and $1,500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Dennis V Smith (American, b 1942)
Untitled (Handstand Girl), 1981
bronze
edition 24/30
33” tall, base is 10.5” x 9.5”.
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: inherited; previously acquired in the late 1980s from a Carmel, CA, gallery
$ 1,000-1,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia