The Mystery of the Moon: “Nightfall” in Bronze

The Mystery of the Moon: “Nightfall” in Bronze

By Richard MacDonald (American, b. 1946)

“Cloaked in mystery, the female form of Nightfall intrigues us.” Created in 1972, “Nightfall” is an evocative masterwork that captures the transition between states of being. Unlike MacDonald’s more literal athletic monuments, this piece delves into the surreal and the symbolic. The figure of Nightfall strides across a scythe-shaped moon with undeniable purpose, serving as an allegory for the passage of time and the human capacity to leave the past behind while stepping into the unknown.

Symbolism and Narrative Flow

Every element of “Nightfall” is a deliberate choice in visual storytelling:

• The Celestial Globes: In each hand, the figure holds a globe, representing the arrival of night and the departure of day. More deeply, these spheres symbolize the burdens of the past and the potential of the future—reminding the viewer to open themselves to what is yet to come.
• The Scythe Moon: Poised on a slender, crescent moon, the figure moves with a strength that defies the precariousness of her path.
• Organic Drapery: A masterful curve of bronze drapery flows from the crown of her head to the base. This “S-curve” generates a sense of fluid movement that counters the direction of her stride, creating a sophisticated tension that is a hallmark of MacDonald’s style.

The “Atelier” Standard & Provenance

This sculpture is a significant addition to the MacDonald canon, crafted during a decade when the artist was cementing his role as the champion of the neo-figurative movement.

• Mechanical Innovation: This piece is mounted on a signed, revolving black marble base. This allows the collector to rotate the work 360 degrees, experiencing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow across the bronze patina from every angle.
• Collector’s Edition: Numbered 364 of 950, this limited edition bronze bears the artist’s incised signature directly on the marble, affirming its authenticity and heritage.
• Artistic Legacy: In 2016, Richard MacDonald was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Champion of the Arts, a testament to the enduring impact of works like “Nightfall.”

Specifications for AmericanEclectic.com

• Artist: Richard MacDonald (b. 1946)
• Title: Nightfall
• Year Conceived: 1972
• Medium: Patinated Bronze
• Base: Signed Revolving Black Marble
• Dimensions: 16.5″ H × 9″ W × 8″ D
• Edition: 364/950
• Condition: Excellent Gallery Condition

Artists Bio