This newly sculpted Artist's Replica, an Enlarged, Detailed Edition, beautifully captures a boy at his desk in a moment of quiet struggle, reminiscent of Herb Mignery's poignant style as seen in The Struggle sculpture.
Well-known artist Herb Mignery imagined himself—or one of his friends—in this same predicament, seated at an old classroom desk. That idea became a statuette-sized (8") bronze of The Struggle, which he shared with the St. Cecilia School Foundation in 1993 to raise funds. For more than 20 years, Herb continued to gift new bronzes each year to St. Cecilia.
In 2024, longtime friend George Hasley asked Herb why he hadn’t enlarged the The Struggle. That conversation led to a newly sculpted, enlarged, and highly detailed version at 48 inches tall. The new "classroom size" of The Struggle preserves the character of the 8 inch statuette while offering enhanced detail and fidelity.
Inspired by the strong response to the Artist’s Replica (Enlarged, Detailed Edition) of The Struggle, Herb and George continued their pursuit of reimagining educational-themed bronzes. Best Friends and Prairie Lessons are now available as newly sculpted artist-made originals, high-detail versions enlarged to 24 inches (Gallery size).
Size: Approx. 48 Inches
Price: $28,000
The largest edition offered. Designed for schools, institutions, public spaces, and collectors seeking a commanding presence. This size reflects the scale and impact of Herb Mignery’s original vision and is ideal for educational or display environments. This size is available now for The Struggle, and future editions of Best Friends and Prairie Lessons.
Size: 24 Inches
Price: $12,500
A refined mid‑scale edition suitable for homes, offices, galleries, and private collections. Gallery Size pieces offer strong visual presence while remaining versatile for interior display. This size is available now for Best Friends, Prairie Lessons, and future editions of The Struggle.
Size: 12-20 Inches
Price: $3,200
A substantial, highly displayable edition ideal for desks, credenzas, mantels, and museum gift shops. Tabletop size bridges the gap between the intimate Statuette and the larger Gallery editions.
Size: 8 Inches
Price: $1,950
A finely detailed, intimate edition suitable for personal collections, gifts, and introductory collectors. Statuette Size is offered for the three Schoolhouse sculptures and provides an accessible entry point into Herb Mignery’s work.
Sleeping Lambs — 13.5" (including base), left image
Spirit Seeker — 19" (Tabletop Special Edition, exclusively through the Hastings Museum), right image
Herb Mignery, in his studio, holding the 8" statuette of The Struggle.
Herb Mignery is a nationally recognized sculptor whose work captures the spirit, struggle, and quiet heroism of the American West. Raised in Nebraska and shaped by ranch life, Mignery brings authenticity to every piece — from the tension of a working cowboy to the tenderness of childhood moments on the prairie.
His bronzes are known for their storytelling: expressive lines, emotional clarity, and a deep respect for the people and traditions that built the Great Plains. Mignery’s work appears in museums, public collections, and private homes across the country, each sculpture preserving a piece of Western heritage with honesty and heart.