Up for auction is my Great Grandfathers cemetary bust. Let me tell you how it came into my possession. Great Grandpa Jonas Harks was a very wealthy and handsome man. In the late 1930's he was getting on in years and decided to have a bust carved to someday grace his cemetary plot. He contacted a young and VERY talented sculptor from Austria named Claude Lux. Mr. Lux, being young with still little experience under his belt, accepted the commission, received the photos of grandpa and proceeded to create a very lifelike bust. When grandpa received the bust from Austria he was greatly angered. He claimed the bust was not youthful enough and did not do him justice. He demanded another carving be made. Mr. lux made several carvings over the next few years, but all were met with anger and disapproval. Finally, Mr. Lux decided to come to America to make one ,hopefully, final bust. When he arrived, my Grandmother claims, that he and grandpa secluded themselves in the den..allowing no one in. Through the night loud voices and the slamming of furniture were heard. The next morning grandma went to the den. The door was wide open,and Mr. Lux was nowhere to be found. On the desk sat this bust and a note that read"I believe I have now Captured the true likeness of Jonas Hark." Signed Claude Lux. Grandma was horrified when she found grandpa behind the desk...head and shoulders missing. The cemetary has never allowed it to be placed at his grave so grandma stored it in her basement, my mom stored it in hers, and now I have it. I believe it is time for it to move on.
No, this story is not true. It is based loosely on fact. My Great grandfather does have a bust on his grave. It was commissioned after his death by friends and co-workers who admired him. It still sits proudly at the old Calvery Cemetary in St. Louis, Mo.
Now, this handsome devil, I believe, is head and shoulders above the rest. He sits quietly 14 inches tall and 19 inches wide at the shoulders. I have no idea who made him or why. He is not signed. He is made of fired clay or ceramic. He is very heavy at 23 pounds. Contact me after the auction and we will figure out the least expensive way to ship him. Thank you for reading my story and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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