MAX KRUSE (GERMAN, 1854-1942): A BRONZE FIGURE 'NENIKHKAMEN' (WE ARE VICTORIOUS), cast by Gladenback & Sohn
the nude figure of Pheidippides running, the base cast as set of three rough steps, dark brown patination, signed Max Kruse Fec, and inscribed Aktien-Gesellschaft v. H. Gladenbeck & Sohn, raised on a Verde Antico marble plinth,

38.5cm high

"Nenikikamen" is a translation of the ancient Greek 'we have won', and according to legend was the last word of the messenger Pheidippides after he completed his run to Marathon from Athens to report the defeat of the Persians in 490 BC. There is another example of this model in the Berlin Museum entitled "Messenger of the Marathon", also cast by Gladenback & Sohn. The Gladenbeck foundry was founded by Carl Gustav Hermann Gladenbeck in 1851 and was run by various family members and shareholders until the early years of the 20th century. In 1857 the company relocated to Berlin, and in 1888 became Aktien-Gesellschaft H. Gladenbeck und Sohn; directed by Hermann Gladenbeck and sons Oskar and Alfred and the present bronze was produced by this foundry. By the early 20th century the company had become Gladenbeck's Bronzegieβerei, founded by sons Walter and Paul.

This model is illustrated in Bronzes, Sculptors and Founders, 1800-1930, H. Berman, Chicago, 1980 Volume IV, page 905.