Robert Berks Bronze Bust of Albert Einstein
Cast bronze bust of Albert Einstein by American sculptor Robert Berks (1922–2011). Berks sculpted Einstein from life at Princeton in 1953 and later created the 12-foot, 4-ton Einstein Memorial at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. (cast at Modern Art Foundry, Astoria, NY, dedicated 1979). His works are held by the National Portrait Gallery and displayed in the White House Oval Office. This piece bears a hand-incised “© BERKS” copyright signature on the underside and a circular impressed foundry hallmark consistent with Modern Art Foundry. No Austin Productions stamps, “1979” date marks, or other retail reproduction markings are present, distinguishing it from mass-produced durastone/resin versions. The bust is mounted on a metal support affixed to a clear Lucite/acrylic base. The patina shows natural green verdigris on the underside consistent with aged bronze. Condition appears good with no visible damage, chips, or repairs.
8in x 8in Base. 17 in Height.
Auction House
Yes
Hello, this item is a cast bronze bust of Albert Einstein after the model by Robert Berks, an American sculptor best known for his iconic 1953 life portrait of Einstein and the monumental seated figure installed at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. The sculptural handling in this example, with its expressive surface, deeply worked facial features, and naturalistic yet slightly abstracted modeling, is consistent with Berks’ approach. The presence of a hand incised “© BERKS” mark and a foundry stamp aligned with Modern Art Foundry supports that this is a legitimate cast rather than a decorative reproduction. The visible verdigris and surface patina are appropriate for aged bronze and indicate authenticity in material. The mounting on a later acrylic base suggests a presentation adaptation rather than original display.
Market values for Robert Berks bronze casts of Einstein vary depending on size, edition, and foundry quality. Smaller authorized casts typically trade in the secondary market between $2,000 and $6,000 USD, while larger or well documented examples can exceed this range. Given the size, condition, and confirmed casting details, a fair market value would reasonably fall between $2,500 and $4,500 USD.
