"Doves, Quarter Life" emerges as a rare and highly coveted treasure, embodying Richard MacDonald's formative years as a sculptor. In this elusive piece, MacDonald's exploratory phase unfolds, showcasing the distinctive ring-patterned patina, a hallmark of his early ingenuity. The white pastel patina, now absent from his repertoire, adds historical depth to the artwork. While lacking the anatomical intricacies of MacDonald's later works, this sculpture's significance lies in its unique narrative of artistic evolution. Notably, the piece foreshadows MacDonald's future mastery, offering a glimpse into his early experimentation with fabric, a theme that would later define his oeuvre. "Doves, Quarter Life" stands as a testament to the artist's journey, making it a prized collector's gem.

Richard MacDonald has always been intrigued by opposites and he has the range to be able to create both sculptures of delicate, archetypal femininity and powerful, athletic masculinity. In Doves, we see the combination of both: the softness and delicacy of the female and the strength and power of the male. In this work MacDonald employs effective use of the Baroque Spiral to achieve wonderful movement – the piece seems to ethereally take flight creating a passionate image of love and devotion. Originally inspired by the Bolshoi’s performance entitled “The Doves", MacDonald's interpretation brings classical ballet into heartened focus.