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Learn about Douglas Tilden, a deaf sculptor who created The Tired Boxer and other public works in San Francisco. Explore his biography, works, and related activities at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
- May 1, 1860
- August 6, 1935
Douglas Tilden (May 1, 1860 – August 5, 1935) was an American sculptor. He was deaf from a bout of scarlet fever at the age of four and attended the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley, California (now in Fremont, California).
- May 1, 1860, Chico, California
- Mountain View
- August 5, 1935 (aged 75), Berkeley, California
Learn about Douglas Tilden, a Deaf sculptor who created artworks inspired by California themes and sign language. Find out his achievements, challenges, and legacy in the Deaf community and the art world.
Learn about Douglas Tilden, a deaf sculptor who created pioneering works and advocated for the deaf community. Explore his life, achievements, and legacy in this article.
A bronze sculpture of a nude baby held by a man's arm, modeled by Douglas Tilden around 1891. The work was exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and shows Tilden's balance of delicacy and force in sculpture.
Among his notable works is “The Baseball Player,” a sculpture that exudes energy and realism, showcasing Tilden’s ability to portray motion. Another significant piece is “The Bear Hunt,” which reflects his skill in capturing the ferocity and intensity of a dramatic scene. Impact and Legacy.
In 1894 Tilden returned to San Francisco, where he taught sculpture at UC's Mark Hopkins Institute of Art. Communication with his students was accomplished "with a pad, paper, and pencil, that he always carried with him." Tilden's work for and with the deaf was a lifelong and vital concern.