Artwork > All Sculptures, Americana, Mining, Oil & Gas, Mountain Men > The Argonaut
The Argonaut
Specifications:
6 1/2″H x 4 1/2″W x 4″D
Edition of 30
Price:
$1,600
Scott’s Piece Description
ARGONAUT: “A person in quest of something dangerous but rewarding, an adventurer.”
Never was a word used more appropriately, than in the context of pioneers and seekers of gold, who left comforts of hearth and home, often wife and children, to brave a 3000 mile trek on foot or a 14,000 mile sea voyage around Cape Horn, only to reach a long sought destination to face privation, austere living, loneliness and thieves, often at the cost of their lives.
I love to ponder moments of ‘realization’…..when one knows that everything, from that point forward is different. When all the world goes quiet and an internal stillness washes over them. It is often the briefest of moments before an internal dialogue takes over, and then comes the question, “Now what?”
Ever’ once in a while I’ll fancy myself a wordsmith. I love to find examples of yesteryear whereupon just hearing the sound of a word, takes one back in both time and feeling. Using the word ‘Argonaut’ is one such example that quickly puts a ‘time period’ and ‘mentality’ on its user.
Image Gallery
Curator Review
Rough-hewn and wild-eyed, The Argonaut is a testament to the restless American spirit of the mid-1800s. Scott Rogers’ bust captures more than a single man—it evokes a type, a dreamer driven by visions of gold and glory. The rugged texture of the clay echoes the grit of men who braved the Sierra Nevadas or sailed around Cape Horn in pursuit of elusive wealth.
Notice the sculpted folds of the kerchief and the ragged edges of the hat—each seemingly battered by a thousand miles of wind and hardship. The piece’s compact silhouette adds visual weight, allowing the raw emotion of the face to anchor the composition. It’s a study in determination, weariness, and the flickering ember of hope.
The patinaed bronze version reinforces the historical depth, gleaming like aged ore—fitting for a subject so deeply tied to the Gold Rush. There’s something heroic and tragic in the figure’s upward gaze, as if caught between anticipation and disillusionment.
Rogers chooses a word that feels both ancient and bold—Argonaut—connecting this American pioneer to the mythical Greeks who sailed for the Golden Fleece. It’s a clever bridge between cultures, inviting viewers to see this sculpture not just as Western art, but as part of a timeless story of risk and reward.
Get In Touch
We’ll confirm if this sculpture is available now or reserve your place in the next casting (4–5 months).
Phone: 1.435.469.1646
Email: hello@scottrogerssculpture.com
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