The Horse of Wonders – Antique Bronze & Rock Crystal...

The Wonder Horse – Crystal and Singular Bronze A decorative piece attributed to the early 20th century, in which animal sculpture, mineralogy, and decorative arts meet in an object with a decidedly eclectic character. The protagonist is a bronze horse, depicted in motion, supporting a tall clear quartz obelisk with a faceted finish. The entire composition rests on an elegant black marble base, adorned with brass elements and finishes. The horse figure immediately captures attention with the dynamism of its posture. Its legs are raised, the neck is upright, the head is slightly inclined, and the tail traces a sinuous line. The body’s modeling presents robust and expressive forms, while the muzzle, eyes, ears, and mane are defined by details that give the sculpture a virtually theatrical character. The bronze surface bears a dark patina, crossed by brown shades and golden reflections that emphasize the reliefs and the special craftsmanship of the figure. Above the horse’s back develops a vertical architectural element composed of a large natural clear quartz crystal, worked in the shape of a polygonal-section obelisk with a pyramidal termination. The quartz displays zones of notable transparency alternating with milky veils, inclusions, and natural internal fractures that create suggestive plays of light. The smooth surfaces reflect and refract light, heightening the contrast with the materiality of the antique bronze. The obelisk is supported by a brass mount, connected to the sculpture via a small turned element and a second faceted quartz crystal with a diamond cut. This particular construction introduces an interesting sequence of materials and geometries, alternating patinated metal, mineral transparency, and gilded finishes. The composition terminates with an architectural black marble base, characterized by fluted profiles, a turned central body, and a square base. Four small brass feet lift the marble from the resting surface and complete the ensemble. The pairing of horse, crystals, and monumental base evokes the eclectic taste developed between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th, when private collections housed sculptures, natural curiosities, minerals, archaeological objects, and artifacts from different artistic traditions. It is precisely this compositional freedom that brings the object closer to the spirit of Wunderkammer, the ancient cabinets of wonders where naturalia and artificialia were gathered and juxtaposed to evoke curiosity and wonder. Quartz represents natural matter formed through long geological processes, while the bronze horse introduces the artistic intervention of humans. Two very different expressions of matter, brought together in an unusual and scenographic composition. With a height of 530 mm and a weight of 6,400 grams, this sculpture has a significant display presence, particularly suitable for a curiosities collection, a private study, a library, or a living space furnished with antiques and natural history objects. An unconventional object, fascinating for its construction, the material blend, and the encounter between animal sculpture and natural crystals. A composition suspended between art, nature, and imagination, in the spirit of the ancient cabinets of wonders.

Estimation:€4,400

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