Hollis Taggart is pleased to announce, ‘The Red Palm Nut, Jane Goodall and David Greybeard,’ miniature size bronze limited edition of nine, the remarkable bronze sculpture by artist Marla Friedman. A commemoration of world renown ethologist and environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall’s monumental achievements, the sculpture captures the groundbreaking moment of connection between Goodall as a twenty-six-year-old researcher in Gombe, Tanzania, and David Greybeard, the first chimpanzee to grant her trust. Of the sculpture Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, has noted: “Marla has done more than just capture the likeness of me and David Greybeard, she has captured a relationship between human and animal. And I hope that this sculpture will enable more people to understand that close relationship that we have with the animals with whom we share this planet.”

Goodall has described the importance of the moment represented in the work, when after following David Greybeard, she discovered him seated on the forest floor and was able to communicate with him non-verbally. This initial breakthrough enabled the progress of her pioneering research: "I was following him along a trail in the forest. I lost him for a moment but then found him sitting. I sat near him and lying on the ground between us was this ripe, red palm nut, which chimpanzees love. So, I picked it up and I held it towards him on the palm of my hand, and he turned his face away. So, I put my hand closer, and he turned and looked directly into my eyes. He reached out and he took and dropped that palm nut but then very gently squeezed my fingers and that’s how chimpanzees reassure each other. So, in that moment we understood each other without the use of human words, the language of gestures. He understood that my motive was good.”

Friedman’s sculpture conveys this moment of unity beautifully through posture and gesture. The bodies of Jane and David Greybeard echo each other perfectly, despite the space between them. Each is seated with knees bent, head turned towards the other, and arms extended to create a perfect arc shape above the red palm nut. Jane gazes downward, submissively, as David looks directly into her eyes. The vulnerability of each subject is palpable as they breach the divide between human and animal. Today such physical contact or proximity is no longer practiced or endorsed by Dr. Goodall or the Jane Goodall Institute, making the meaning and power of this magical moment all the greater. Friedman has captured the transcendent innocence of Jane’s historic, first connection with David Greybeard. It is this very moment of their empathic shared trust that would open the world of the wild chimpanzee to Goodall. Friedman embraces an intuitive creative process, working from moment to moment to harness skill and instinct in order to develop a likeness of her subjects and a strong message for the composition. She has a masterful ability to authentically reproduce the sitter’s physical form while simultaneously capturing the essence of a persona. Describing the significance of this sculpture she has reflected that: “I hope the message of the sculpture is our empathic connection with ALL animals. The universal unspoken language. An awareness and sensitivity to the feelings of all living beings. The message of empathy is profound and important especially at this moment in history. Kindness begets kindness.”

The original monument bronze, The Red Palm Nut, was funded by philanthropist and patron Steve Sarowitz and donated by Steve and Jessica Sarowitz to the Field Museum in 2018. The original monument sculpture graces the outside the Field Museum’s Marble Entrance Hall. Hollis Taggart, in association with The Jane Goodall Institute and Field Museum is offering, for the first time, The Red Palm Nut in a miniature sized limited bronze edition of nine. All works include Jane Goodall’s inscribed signature, carved into the clay.

About Marla Friedman

Marla Friedman is a sculptor and painter of the Realist tradition. Her oeuvre includes powerful three-dimensional renderings of Dr. Maya Angelou, sanctioned by The Caged Bird Foundation and Abraham Lincoln for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library Foundation. Other notable works include portraits of United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Apollo astronaut Captain James Lovell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rosa Parks, Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington.

About Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Dr. Goodall’s study of chimpanzees in the wild and her resulting observations and discoveries revolutionized the scientific world, altering forever our understanding of humankind’s relationship to the rest of the animal kingdom and making her and the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park globally renowned. Her subsequent evolution as activist for the protection of wildlife and the preservation of habitat continues to attract and empower worldwide audiences. Today she is one of the most recognized and influential advocates for the health of the planet on issues ranging from animal welfare to climate change. Goodall and Friedman hope the sculpture emphasizes our connection and responsibility to protect the animals. This vital work lives on today in the form of Dr. Goodall’s science- and community- driven conservation organization, the Jane Goodall Institute, and its global youth development program Roots & Shoots.

About the Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global, community-centered conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall in over 30 countries around the world. Its aim is to understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and empower people to be compassionate citizens in order to inspire conservation of the natural world we all share. JGI uses research, collaboration with local communities, best-in-class animal welfare standards, and the innovative use of science and technology to inspire hope and transform it into act ion for the common good. Through JGI’s Roots & Shoots program for young people of all ages, now active in over 68 countries around the world, JGI is creating an informed and compassionate critical mass of people who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment.

About the Field Museum

Today, the Field Museum’s astonishing collection includes Egyptian mummies, the man-eating lions of Tsavo, wooly mammoths,  Tiffany & Co. gem, and more. Wide-ranging exhibits explore more than 4.6 billion years of natural history, from ancient Egypt to Qing Dynasty China to the prehistoric era and beyond. When you enter the museum, you will be greeted by one of its most famous residents — Máximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur to ever walk the earth. In the Evolving Planet gallery, guests can visit SUE, the most complete T.Rex ever discovered.

About Hollis Taggart

Hollis Taggart was founded in 1979, with a mission to present museum-quality works of art, maintain a program motivated by scholarship, and offer personalized support in all aspects of art collecting.

For more information, please contact us at info@hollistaggart.com or +1 212.628.4000.