Exquisite Early 1900s LARGE Solid Brass High Detail "Lost Wax" Horse Sculpture

Description: This in absolutely exquisite early 1900s HEAVY and large brass horse composed using the “lost wax” technique. I am somewhat of an old man these days, and I have been collecting brass sculptures for going on 40 plus years. This - is what I’ve always considered to be the epitome of my collection. I’ve never seen a more realistic, more anatomically spot on high detail depiction of a horse in any sculpting medium… nor do I expect I ever will. A little background on this piece before we get into the details. I first came across this piece as an antique store in Santa Fe, New Mexico known for their “western and Americana” themed inventory in the early ‘80s. The store owner was an avid equestrian - she kept this horse sculpture on the store’s checkout desk. We had a long conversation about the piece. She’d purchased it in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1976 from a husband and wife who dealt in antique bronze and brass sculpture. Knowing little of the technique behind metal sculpture making, I found the detail within the piece to be quite unfathomable. How the artist was able to achieve finite musculature working with a brass medium? It did not make sense. She explained that the piece was made using the “lost wax” technique, a technique (also called cire-perdue) a method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model. Once the mold is made, the wax model is melted and drained away. A time consuming, by-hand process, and given the wax mold’s single use - a process that often results in one of one pieces. The Albuquerque couple whom the store owner purchased from cited an early 1900’s creation date. When the store owner purchased the piece from the Albuquerque couple, it was without a base. She had the horse mounted on the dark black wooden plaque you see today. As noted, it is truly the almost implausible attention to detail that makes this bronze work of art innately exquisite. I’ve included a multitude of photos with the hope that your eyes will see what my words alone cannot possibly convey. Every centimeter of this horse is the result of careful contemplation. This is not some vague, cartoon-like depiction of one of nature’s most beautiful creatures - this is truly a mirrored image. This sculpture was likely done by someone who truly knows, and understands horses. The dips and rises within the body - the beautiful arch of the back, the thick, strong hips, tight skin stretched over bulbous and muscular legs, the crevices and folds of coat. I’d like to draw your eyes to the horse’s mane. Look at the contrast therein! The elements of oxidization within etchings juxtaposed to deep, highly vibrant gold brass. The finite detail within the mane is, yet again, extraordinary. Imagine the time spent creating that wavy hair, by hand, each tuft composed of layered strands of solid brass. I have found that the mane, especially atop this horse’s head, reminds me of a sea horse - I often wonder if this was intentional, or just one of life’s little coincidences. So unique… another element that makes this brass horse stand out from the thousands and thousands of poor attempts out there. Then there is the thick, wonderfully full tail. Here we see an almost laughable, perfectionist level of detail. The tail is follows a similar meticulous etching design scheme seen at the mane, here - the scope of detail even more finite. Composed of hundreds of individual etchings to create the “wavy, layered hair” effect. Again the oxidization occurring here is creates such a sense of 3-Dimensionality and depth. Note the ares on the tail of high luminosity, vibrant polished brass juxtaposed to crevices of dark oxidization. The beauty of this piece is one that occurs only in time… naturally.. While the elements of oxidization on this piece could be polished to gleam like the rest of the piece, I believe doing so would be an injustice. To each their own, I supposed, and so I have left that decision up to the new owner. As for the horse’s face, what can I say? I guess only that this face could only have been crafted so perfectly, so beautifully, by someone who has personal experience with the elegant creatures. The face is both strong, and soft, masculine, and feminine. The face captures all sides of of these incredible animals. Capable of unbelievable feats of inhuman strength, while at the same time capable of gentle, reserved behavior. The flares of the nostrils, the all seeing eyes, the veins under sleek tightly drawn skin… ears standing at attention, not quite symmetrical, not quite perfect - just like the real thing. The pose is not one chosen at will. Like that of this sculpted horse’s face, the pose is meant to capitalize on the elements seen throughout the piece - strength, and reserve, power, and loyal submission. Look for a moment at the thick hooves, how easy would it be for a beast of this magnitude and scale to weaponize those body features? Yet, the raised leg - inwards pointed hoof - is anything but aggressive. To myself, this piece symbolizes the human connection between that of horse and man/woman. We’ve been tied to this creatures for eons, and will be for eons to come. Our story is beautifully intertwined with theirs… I wonder if when mounting a horse the rider, and horse itself often have the same thought in mind: “oh the places we will go.” The places we will go.. At my age, where exactly I will heading off to is uncertain - however, I do know that this beautiful work of art will not be going with me. I’ve not the person to pass this piece on down to, and so despite my adoration of what I believe to be an absolute one of a kind treasure - I have decided the time has come to part ways. I will dearly miss this piece, my office space never to be quite the same. However, I take solace in that this horse will be off to a new place, with new owners. Just another phase in this beautiful sculptures long and enduring life. Dimensions: This is a large piece! 16 Inches Long 15.5 Inches in Height 4 Inches thick (at widest point which are the hips) Weight: 13.6 POUNDS ~If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly. ~Will ship overseas, but not responsible for any customs fees incurred. ~The flat shipping cost is to account for this pieces HEAVY weight and LARGE size, shipping will be costly. With an estimated shipping cost in excess of $100 domestically. I am asking the buyer to pay only half (: Thank you for looking! I hope even if you elect not to purchase, you’ve enjoyed looking over what I have always found to be truly mesmerizing.

Price: 470 USD

Location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio

End Time: 2024-08-25T23:49:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: 18.4 USD