Tired Boxer Remains a Compelling Symbol

When last in Rome, we went to the National Museum to study the heroic Hellenistic bronze, “Boxer at Rest.” It is a powerful image, but its ubiquity has softened the impact. It’s the stuff of postcards now.

Douglas Tilden, the Berkeley-based sculptor who died in 1935, was entirely deaf throughout his life. But his vision was acute, as was his sensitivity to pain.

One of his most under rated works resides with the permanent collection of the De Young Museum. “The Tired Boxer” is a masterpiece of understatement.

See it before it, too, becomes it becomes just so much more kitsch.