Richard MacDonald’s bronzes are contemporary limited-edition sculptures that trade in a hybrid market: fine-art collectors care about edition and foundry details, while many buyers treat them as luxury décor. The result is a wide pricing spread unless the sculpture is clearly documented.
This article focuses on the specific work commonly sold as “Female Cheetah” and gives you a repeatable workflow for photographing markings, assessing condition, and choosing a selling path. The goal is not to guess a number from a single photo — it’s to capture the evidence that makes a valuation defensible.
If you only do one thing before you ask for pricing: take crisp, raking-light photos of the signature, the edition number, and any foundry mark.
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What is “Female Cheetah” by Richard MacDonald?
Richard MacDonald (American, b. 1946) is known for figurative bronzes and wildlife studies that emphasize motion, surface modeling, and balanced composition. “Female Cheetah” is often described as a coiled, face-forward pose — a moment of tension just before release.
On the secondary market you may see small differences in title wording or base style. For appraisal, treat the object as a specific editioned casting: dimensions, base type, patina, and the exact marking format determine whether two pieces are truly comparable.
Material, casting, and edition basics
Most examples offered for sale are bronze casts with a patinated surface. The financial value is tied to authenticity as an editioned sculpture — not simply the fact that it is bronze.
- Patina is a surface finish. It can be professionally conserved, but aggressive cleaning can strip it and reduce value.
- Edition numbers vary by release. Listings sometimes cite edition sizes (for example “/75”), but the authoritative source is the inscription on your sculpture and supporting paperwork.
- Foundry marks matter. If present, a foundry stamp/name can clarify which release you have and can strengthen an authenticity narrative.
Where to look for signature, edition number, and foundry marks
Appraisers build confidence with photographs first. Before you worry about price, capture the diagnostic views that let a specialist confirm the cast.
- Signature close-up. Photograph straight-on and with raking light so the incised signature reads clearly.
- Edition number close-up. Capture the fraction-style numbering and any “AP”/proof notation.
- Foundry mark (if present). Look on the base edge, underside, or near the signature.
- Base underside. Photograph bolts, pads, plaques, and any repairs; stability issues affect value.
- Patina detail. Macro shots of high points (ears, shoulders, haunches) reveal rub-through and scratches.
Condition factors that move value
Most valuation adjustments for modern bronzes come from condition and documentation rather than age. Use clear, neutral language in your notes and show photos.
- Rub-through on high points. Light wear is common; heavy bright-metal exposure is a bigger negative.
- Scratches and dents. Small scratches are expected; dents or deep gouges in the bronze mass reduce desirability.
- Restoration. Disclosed professional patina touch-up is acceptable; opaque repainting or lacquer often is not.
- Base integrity. Loose bolts, wobble, or cracked stone/wood bases can lower offers and complicate shipping.
- Paperwork. Invoices, certificates, and gallery documentation reduce friction and can support higher pricing.
Documentation checklist (what buyers and appraisers want to see)
For contemporary bronzes, documentation often matters as much as the object. Two castings in the same pose can trade in different price brackets because one has clean provenance and the other forces the buyer to “take a leap” on attribution. Good paperwork reduces that leap.
If you have any of the following, photograph it and include it with your appraisal request or consignment pitch:
- Original invoice or receipt (gallery, dealer, or studio).
- Certificate of authenticity or documentation that states edition size and the exact title.
- Condition/restoration notes if the patina was professionally touched up.
- High-resolution marking photos (signature, edition number, foundry mark, underside of base).
- Shipping crate info or packing documentation if you plan to sell remotely.
When paperwork is missing, don’t panic — but expect the valuation process to lean more heavily on casting quality, marking consistency, and market comparables. That is also where professional appraisal is most useful: it translates partial evidence into a defensible range.
Value range: what to expect for “Female Cheetah”
Because dealer retail pricing and auction results can diverge, the safest way to think about value is a range anchored to documented examples. A well-documented, clean-condition casting can trade materially higher than a comparable piece with uncertain markings.
Legacy appraisal anchor: a private appraisal prepared April 22, 2022 valued an authentic Richard MacDonald Female Cheetah at US$30,000–35,000 in good condition.
Use that range as a starting point, then adjust based on (1) the edition details visible on your cast, (2) the patina and structural condition, and (3) the strength of documentation. If photos of markings are missing or illegible, expect the market to price in uncertainty until authenticity is clarified.
Selling strategy: auction, gallery, or private sale
Which selling channel works best depends on how quickly you need liquidity and how complete your documentation is.
Auction house consignment
Auction is useful when you can wait for cataloguing and want broad exposure. Provide clear marking photos and measurements. Expect commissions and a timeline measured in weeks.
Gallery or dealer
Dealers can move faster if they already have clients seeking the artist. They will price for resale margin, so your leverage is strong documentation and excellent condition photography.
Private sale
Private sales can net more if you already have a buyer, but you take on packing/shipping risk. In your listing, include a close-up gallery of signature/edition details and disclose any restoration.
Appraisal checklist (photos and measurements to gather)
- Full front, side, and three-quarter views (include a ruler for scale if possible).
- Close-up of the artist signature (raking light).
- Close-up of edition number, proof notation, and any foundry stamp.
- Underside of base (bolts, plaques, pads, labels, repairs).
- Macro shots of patina wear and any scratches/dents.
- Height and base footprint measurements.
- Invoices, certificates, and any prior appraisal paperwork.
Search variations collectors ask
Readers often Google:
- Richard MacDonald Female Cheetah bronze sculpture value
- how to find Richard MacDonald bronze edition number
- Richard MacDonald Female Cheetah 75 edition meaning
- best place to sell Richard MacDonald bronze sculpture
- does patina wear reduce value on bronze sculptures
- how to identify foundry marks on modern bronze sculptures
- insurance appraisal for contemporary bronze sculpture
- how to photograph signature on bronze sculpture for appraisal
Each question is answered in the authentication and valuation sections above.
References
- Dawson Cole Fine Art (Laguna Beach), Richard MacDonald biography and studio notes: https://lagunabeach.dawsoncolefineart.com/artists/richard-macdonald/
- Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, bronze care overview: https://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/bronze.html
