Sports Art, Set of Six Art Deco Oak Relief Plaques, Tennis, Football, Polo, Diving, Baseball, Hockey

O. Romander
Set of Six Sports Plaques
Cambria, California, c. 1930s to 1950s
Oak with dark brown stain
Baseball and tennis plaques signed verso “O. Romander, Cambria, Cal.”
29 x 19 inches each (average approximate)

Set of six wooden carved low relief plaques representing different sports, each depicting an athlete in action. They were carved by California artist O. Romander, who signed two on the back, including the place name Cambria, California. They include most male athletes — a baseball player at bat; two football players, a quarterback about to throw the ball as another player falls behind him; an ice hockey player with a puck chased by another player; two polo players on horseback, viewed from behind; and a tennis player preparing to hit an overhead shot. Another plaque shows two overlapping female divers in pike positions. They are well accomplished in capturing the action of the athletes in realistic poses. They were likely carved sometime between the 1930s to 1950s, based on the Art Deco style. Moreover, the football players are wearing leather helmets, which were no longer produced in the mid-1950s. They are all substantially the same size with variations between 29.25 x 17.25 for the baseball and tennis plaques and 30 x 20.5 for the divers. As such, they would make a handsome set for a library or family room.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light shrinkage, handling, wear. Few small chip losses.