Large African Elephant, hand carved from Turkish Pine!
This carving of an African Elephant is over 6’ tall and weighs approximately 400lbs. It was carved from the trunk of a Turkish pine tree by artist Wesley Smith. The ears and tusks were carved separately from the same wood. Attention to detail and realism was the artist goal. Only the front of the elephant was carved giving the effect of the elephant coming out of the forest.
76” tall x 36” wide and deep. From ear to ear 80”.
Other
Yes
Hi Wesley,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Wesley Smith (American, 20th/21st Century)
Bull African Elephant
carved and polychromed Turkish pine
76 inches tall, 36 inches wide, 36 inches deep. Greatest width 80 inches across ears.
CONDITION: appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: owned by the artist
$4,000-6,000*
*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
Good morning, Wesley,
Please don't apologize for being an unknown artist - every artist is unknown until they become known and the way they do that is to get out there. Finding the right price point -f or both auction and retail gallery - can be a bit of trial and error. I don't want to offend you by putting too low a number on this work, which clearly took much time and talent; I also want to generate interest on the part of the buying public by listing this at a value enough people might be able to afford. We can discuss the "asking" price of $7,500; I can raise or lower it on your suggestion.
As an FYI, a fair market auction estimate (low and high numbers) are typically 1/3-1/2 what an item might be priced at in a gallery...so if a gallery was asking $10,000 for something, the fair-market estimate for that item would be $3,000-5,000. Does that make sense?
I hope this is helpful and look forward to continuing the conversation, at your convenience.
Delia
My name is Wesley Smith, artist who carved the elephant and gorillas. I apologize, I’m not a known artist, although I’ve done many works, charcoal, acrylic, sculptures, and carvings. I find myself giving away most of my work to family and drawing/painting for free to friends. I’m hoping to get myself out there and known. I was hoping to get an idea of what I can get for my carvings. I noticed that you weren’t able to give me an appraisal. Also I’m in the beginnings of carving a 9.5’ great white shark breaching and a pair of 6’ dolphins, which both pieces will be very realistic. Large projects!
Thanks,
Wesley