Joe Beeler Inscribed Commemorative Bronze Base for 'Indian' Sculpture

This item is a circular bronze base for a sculpture created by renowned Western artist Joe Beeler (1931–2006). The piece is cast in heavy bronze with a medium brown-green patina, exhibiting a hand-incised texture characteristic of Beeler's foundry work. The surface features a significant personalized inscription that reads: 'thanks PHIL KIDD / the GILCREASE MUSEUM 1980 / JOE BEELER / #9 G'. The Gilcrease Museum connection is highly significant as it is a premier institution for the Art of the American West. The inscription is executed in a rough, stylus-etched style directly into the wax before casting or into the metal afterward. The piece shows minor surface oxidation and light verdigris consistent with its 1980 date. The 'G' likely refers to the Gilcrease Museum edition or specific foundry run, and the '#9' denotes it as the ninth in the series. The construction reflects the high quality of the Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) standards, of which Beeler was a founding member. Condition remains excellent with no structural damage, preserving the integrity of the artist's signature and the historical provenance of the Phil Kidd dedication.