Lot 1189

Milton Elting Hebald (American, 1917-2015) Bronze Sculpture, Ca. 1964, 'James Joyce', H 17.5" W 9" Depth 7"

Previous image preload Next image preload

Milton Elting Hebald (American, 1917-2015) Bronze Sculpture, Ca. 1964, 'James Joyce', H 17.5" W 9" Depth 7"

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

by DuMouchelles
June 19, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
409 East Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI, US 48226

Marked "Hebald 1964, x/xx". Depicting a seated James Joyce (1882-1941) with his legs crossed and a book in his hand. Base height 1.25". A full-sized version of this bronze statue is featured at James Joyce's final resting place at the Fluntern Cemetery in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Provenance:
Property from a Southfield, MI private collector.

Literature:
"A life-sized sculpture of James Joyce will be placed and unveiled on the writer's grave at Fluntern Cemetery in Zurich, Switzerland, today, a date known to the literary world as Bloomsday. It was on June 16 that Joyce's spiraling story of "Ulysses" and Leopold Bloom occurs. The bronze monument to Joyce, who died in 1941, is a joint gift of Lee Nordness, New York art dealer, and Milton Hebald, an American sculptor. Mr. Nordness visited Joyce's grave in 1948 and said he was stunned to find it was distinguished only by a flat metal marker. In 1962 he asked the writer's son, George Joyce, in Munich, if he might donate a portrait monument. Mr. Joyce agreed provided that he could approve of the sculptor. Mr. Hebald, long an enthusiast of Joyce, agreed to the commission and donated his time. The City of Zurich, at George Joyce's request, exhumed the bodies of James Joyce and his wife-buried in separate sections of the cemetery and placed them in a special area side by side. The expense of moving the bodies was a gift of the city. Mr. Nordness said recently: "This is probably the most satisfying project I have ever worked on in my life. At last a great work of art will mark the memory of the greatest literary spokesman of our century."" The New York Times, June 16, 1966.

Dimensions:
H 17.5" W 9" Depth 7"

  • Provenance: Property from a Southfield, MI private collector.
  • Dimensions: H 17.5" W 9" Depth 7"
  • Literature: "A life-sized sculpture of James Joyce will be placed and unveiled on the writer's grave at Fluntern Cemetery in Zurich, Switzerland, today, a date known to the literary world as Bloomsday. It was on June 16 that Joyce's spiraling story of "Ulysses" and Leopold Bloom occurs. The bronze monument to Joyce, who died in 1941, is a joint gift of Lee Nordness, New York art dealer, and Milton Hebald, an American sculptor. Mr. Nordness visited Joyce's grave in 1948 and said he was stunned to find it was distinguished only by a flat metal marker. In 1962 he asked the writer's son, George Joyce, in Munich, if he might donate a portrait monument. Mr. Joyce agreed provided that he could approve of the sculptor. Mr. Hebald, long an enthusiast of Joyce, agreed to the commission and donated his time. The City of Zurich, at George Joyce's request, exhumed the bodies of James Joyce and his wife-buried in separate sections of the cemetery and placed them in a special area side by side. The expense of moving the bodies was a gift of the city. Mr. Nordness said recently: "This is probably the most satisfying project I have ever worked on in my life. At last a great work of art will mark the memory of the greatest literary spokesman of our century."" The New York Times, June 16, 1966.
  • Medium: Bronze Sculpture
  • Circa: 1964
  • Condition: No damage or repair. | Please note all lots show signs of wear commensurate with age and use, and the lack of a statement regarding condition does not imply the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from defects or the effects of aging. Unless otherwise stated, all information provided is the opinion of DuMouchelles' specialists. Should you have any specific questions regarding the condition of this lot, please use the “Request Condition Report” or “Ask a Question” buttons or email [email protected].

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

You may find a list of shippers with whom we work frequently on our website at www.dumoart.com/shippers.

Shipping arrangements are the buyer's responsibility and expense. We encourage you to get an estimate of shipping costs prior to bidding and understand the process and cost of shipping prior to bidding. Your selection of a shipper, insurance and the cost of shipping is your responsibility. We may use a third party, such as Arta (www.arta.io), to assist you with the shipping process and obtaining quotes, although shipping through Arta is not required. You are welcome to use any shipping vendor of your choice, select a shipper from a list we provide, or to collect your purchases yourself.  Any risks associated with packing and shipping are the buyer's responsibility and DuMouchelles Is not liable for shipping. Please refer to our website for our current shipping information.

a. Release Property to Any Third Party. We require your approval to release property to any third party. You are required to complete the authorization form available on our website or by contacting us prior to the collection of any purchased items. If you are shipping out of the state of Michigan, your shipper must have a Bill of Lading to present to us. If your shipper does not have a have a Bill of Lading, unless you have a valid resale number on file with us, Michigan sales tax will be added to your invoice.

b. Pick-ups At Our Gallery. If you pick-up your purchases, please contact us in advance to schedule your pick-up. If you are picking up a large quantity and/or bulky or heavy pieces, please bring assistance and your own packing materials to pack and load your vehicle. You agree that any packing and handling of purchased lots by DuMouchelles employees are undertaken solely as a courtesy for the convenience of the buyer, and DuMouchelles is not responsible for damage or breakage which may occur during packing and handling and shipping by DuMouchelles or of other carriers or packers of purchased lots, whether or not recommended by DuMouchelles. Packing and handling of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the buyer. In the case of fragile items, DuMouchelles in their sole discretion may decline to pack the items.

c. Acceptance and Insurance. Shipments must be to valid addresses and items will not be shipped to P.O. boxes. All shipments require that the recipient (or a responsible adult at the residence) be present to sign for purchases shipped. We recommend and may require that you insure all items while in transit. If you use Arta, insurance coverage through Arta covers the total shipment value and shipping charges paid, excluding duties and taxes paid to customs. Insurance must be booked prior to collection. Arta will prioritize restoration in resolving an insurance claim when possible. Claims must be submitted within seven days of delivery. Arta's terms and its insurance policy is available at https://www.arta.io/legal/terms.

DuMouchelles

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $29 $5
$30 $99 $10
$100 $399 $25
$400 $899 $50
$900 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 $999,999 $50,000
$1,000,000 + $100,000