A real life TR impersonator sat for the portrait photograph from which StudioEIS used as inspiration in modeling a full size clay version of The President. Based out of Brooklyn New York, StudioEIS is the leader in design and production of museum figures. Using the traditional lost wax process, Polich Tallix cast the figure in sections, welded, chased, and patinated the bronze to a deep, handsome brown.

Most have walked past a statue of Teddy already at the museum once or twice before, some without even realizing. At the Central Park West staircase ten feet in the air, an epic portrayal of a conquering hunter and explorer is seated on a horse. Beside him stands two figures to represent the American and African continents. Sculpted by James Earle Fraser in 1939, this rendition of The President is elevated and prestigious, commanding attention.

The brand new bronze sculpture shows a much different side of this progressive leader. The exhibit coincides with the reopening of the Hall of North American Mammals. Always considered a true cowboy at heart, Roosevelt found his way through African Safari, Brazilian jungles, two terms in The White House, one as the Vice President, and all the while maintaining his humanitarian spirit and love of nature. Rather than hoisted high in the air outside of the museum, he is seated on a simple wooden bench, inviting museum goers to sit beside him and enjoy the newly re-opened Roosevelt Rotunda. He will certainly be the premier photo-op of the Museum of Natural History, and a delightful edition to the permanent collection. For more information and details on exhibition highlights, visit the museum’s website.