William H. Turner (Amer., b. 1943), resting donkey reaching back, artist-cast bronze sculpture, freestanding, with incised signature, edition number 101/300, and date, 2004

height 7 in. x width 11 in. x depth 7 in. 

Provenance: Property from a home in Fairhope, Alabama

William Turner was largely self-taught as a sculptor, developing his skills initially by building boats and later creating ceramic and porcelain sculptures to finance his education at the University of Virginia and dental school. After years as a dentist, teacher, and Navy serviceman, he gradually transitioned from ceramics and porcelain to bronze sculpture and eventually became a full-time sculptor, working alongside his sons in the family business, Turner Sculptures, which operates its own foundry. Best known as a wildlife sculptor, Turner’s work reflects a detailed approach grounded in close observation of natural subjects and craftsmanship. His sculptures have been exhibited and commissioned for prominent public collections, including two works at the MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Virginia, commissioned by developer A. Alfred Taubman.