Striving for the Wreath of Victory
Two figures, a nude male and female stand erect on their tip toes and reach upward, aspiring to the wreath of victory. Their elongated feet, hands, and forms accentuate the upward motion. They are rendered with a heavy green patina and coarse finish in order to resemble bronze sculptures that have been buried on the bottom of the sea for thousands of years. These works represent the high point of Manske’s artistic output.
Artist: Jane Fauntz Manske • Year: 1984 • Medium: Bronze • Dimensions: 14 x 4.5 inch round • Style/Genre: Classical (antique green patina; coarse texturing throughout) • Edition note: 2 (other known replica awarded to Greg Louganis at the 1984 Olympic Games).
Provenance/Story: The only known copy of this bronze was given to legendary Olympic diver Bruce Louganis at the 1984 Olympic Games. The archive includes copious documents, letters, and photos related to the award’s creation, presentation, and administration. There also is an abundance of material related to Ms. Manske’s artistic output for other projects.
