American sculptor John Bernard Flannagan (1895-1942) executed small-scale studies of animals that were bold and forthright in concept.

John B. Flannagan was born in Fargo, N.Dak. The father's death, when John was five, left his widow so destitute that she was forced to place her two children in an orphanage. John showed an aptitude for carving even as a boy. However, at the age of 19 he went to Minneapolis to study painting at the Institute of Arts. Three years later he joined the Merchant Marine. In 1922, following release from the service, he headed for New York City to continue his formal art education. Instead, he accepted the offer of painter Arthur B. Davies to work on his farm and receive art instruction from him. Encouraged by Davies, Flannagan decided to become a professional sculptor.

Flannagan went to New York City in 1923 and had his first exhibition. His...