Mahonri Young (American, 1877–1957)
Bust of Boxer Joe Louis, c. 1929
Painted plaster
10½ × 8 × 12 in.
This expressive bust captures the strength and quiet resolve of Joe Louis, one of the most celebrated boxers in American history. Created by renowned Utah-born sculptor Mahonri Young during a 1929 residency in Los Angeles, the piece reflects a pivotal period in both the artist’s and the athlete’s careers. While collaborating with Twentieth Century Fox, Young spent evenings sketching at the famed Main Street Gym—then a haven for both amateur and professional fighters. These sketches evolved into a powerful series of boxing-themed sculptures, including this portrait.
Joe Louis began his professional career in 1934 and quickly rose to prominence with a string of decisive victories. His rematch win against Max Schmeling in 1938, widely seen as a symbolic victory over Nazi ideology, secured his place as a national hero. Louis became one of the first Black Americans to receive widespread admiration across racial lines—thanks not only to his prowess in the ring, but also his humility, dignity, and discipline.
Mahonri Young, best known for monuments like the "This is the Place" sculpture and the marble statue of Brigham Young in the U.S. Capitol, often focused on laborers and athletes. This work reflects his deep respect for the discipline of boxing and his masterful ability to convey character and strength through sculptural form.
