In the opening scene of the classic film CITIZEN KANE, tycoon "Charles Foster Kane" is on his deathbed at Xanadu, his decaying estate. As he dies, the snowglobe he was holding slips from his hand and shatters. He utters one last word, "Rosebud." Thus begins the journey and genius of CITIZEN KANE, as reporter "Thompson" searches for the mysterious meaning behind the last word of the publishing magnate. As the story unfolds, we learn that Rosebud is but the cherished memory of a young boy's snow sled. The mastery of Orson Welles' storytelling and direction is evident throughout the film using flashbacks, newsreel footage and superior editing. The Rosebud sled is certainly one of the most iconic film props of all time, from an American cinema masterpiece. This replica of that now famous prop was hand-crafted and painted by Jon French, an accomplished wood-carver and artist in Upstate New York who I commissioned for the project. After several months of work he was able to create two sleds. He based their measurements and color-schemes on an original Rosebud that is currently owned by film director Steven Spielberg. Jon's attention to detail is stunning to say the least, and I can truly say that this sled is now my most cherished movie prop replica.
