Capture the charm and humor of Ron Lee’s collectible circus sculptures with this vintage “Great Escape” jail scene, hand signed and dated 1987.
One of the artist’s most imaginative narrative designs, this whimsical sculpture depicts a cheerful prisoner clown emerging from a tunnel with a lantern and pickaxe while an amused police officer calmly stands watch outside a brick jail wall. Rich hand-painted details, expressive character faces, and 24K gold-plated accents bring the playful story to life.
Unlike many Ron Lee sculptures featuring a single figure, “Great Escape” is a multi-element composition incorporating a brick jail façade with metal bars, raised “JAIL” sign, police officer, prisoner clown, lantern, pickaxe, tunnel, and textured ground details. The result is a dynamic display piece that showcases the artist’s distinctive storytelling and craftsmanship.
The sculpture is crafted in hand-painted cast metal with 24K gold-plated accents and is mounted on a substantial free-form polished natural onyx base. The unique veining and warm caramel inclusions of the stone ensure that every example is one of a kind.
Signed “Ron ’87” on the front edge of the onyx base, this sculpture is an excellent addition to a Ron Lee collection, circus art display, or vintage Hollywood Regency interior.
Dimensions
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Height: 7.5 in.
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Width: 7 in.
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Depth: 7.5 in.
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Weight: 9 lb.
Condition
Very good vintage condition with light age-appropriate cosmetic wear, including minor paint loss in a few small areas and expected wear to portions of the 24K gold-plated finish. The sculpture remains structurally sound with no significant chips, cracks, or missing components observed. Hand signed “Ron ’87” on the front edge of the natural onyx base.
