In 2024, the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts was approached by Maria Keogh—the granddaughter of sculptor Berthold Nebel—regarding the potential donation of Wrestlers, the Rodin-inspired sculpture Nebel created during World War I as his thesis at the Academy in Rome. With the impending sale of Nebel’s historic studio in Westport, Connecticut, the sculpture is seeking a new home, and it would make a significant and fitting addition to the Academy’s campus, where other figurative works are prominently displayed.
While the sculpture itself will be generously donated to the Lyme Academy, there are substantial costs associated with relocating and installing the work. The projected expenses—estimated between $15,000 and $25,000—cover the careful de-installation, transport, and installation of this large-scale sculpture, including placement on a custom stone base.
Any and all contributions made to the “Wrestlers at Lyme Academy” initiative will be fully restricted for this project alone, ensuring that every dollar directly supports bringing Nebel’s historic work to the campus. Any additional funds raised will be used for the sculpture’s care and maintenance.
The Lyme Academy’s art collection plays a vital role in both education and exhibition, embodying the institution’s mission to teach the foundational skills of drawing, painting, and sculpture within the figurative tradition. The addition of Wrestlers will not only honor Berthold Nebel’s artistic legacy but also enrich the learning environment for generations of students to come.
Berthold Nebel Clay & Stone Part 1 Profile by Sara Drought Nebel in Ink Magazine (see pages 42-47)
How to Support the “Wrestlers at Lyme Academy” Project
To donate online:
Please make your gift through our online giving form. In the Comments or Notes section, be sure to include “Wrestlers at Lyme Academy” so your contribution is properly directed to this project.
To donate by mail:
Checks may be made payable to Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and mailed to:
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
84 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT 06371
Please write “Wrestlers at Lyme Academy” in the memo line of your check to ensure it is restricted to this project.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts may provide tax-deductible credit for contributions made to the Wrestlers at Lyme Academy project. Donors should consult their tax professional to determine individual deductibility. A letter of acknowledgement for your gift will be sent.
