{"product_id":"expressive-italian-bronze-horse-head-circa-1950-in-the-style-of-raffaello-romanelli","title":"Expressive Italian Bronze Horse Head, Circa 1950 — In the Style of Raffaello Romanelli","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpressive Italian Bronze Horse Head, Circa 1950 — In the Style of Raffaello Romanelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Monumental Mid-Century Equestrian Study with Rich Chocolate-Brown Patina\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItalian School Bronze Sculpture Weighing Approximately 9 kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Dramatic Italian equestrian sculpture from the mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Spirited horse represented with an arched neck and windswept mane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Anatomically informed modelling combined with Romantic expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Deep brown patina enriched with naturally rubbed bronze highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Impressive scale and substantial 9 kg weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Catalogued stylistically in relation to Raffaello Romanelli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• No signature or foundry mark identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Documented auction and exhibition history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• A commanding sculptural centrepiece for a refined interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis expressive Italian bronze captures the horse as a creature of power, sensitivity and instinctive movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated during approximately the middle of the 20th century, the sculpture concentrates upon the animal’s twisting neck, flared nostrils, parted mouth and dramatically animated mane. These elements convey a moment of sudden alertness, as though the horse has turned in reaction to a sound or movement beyond the viewer’s sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture is finished with a deep chocolate-brown patina. Warmer golden-bronze tones emerge across the raised surfaces, strengthening the modelling and recording its history of display and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts imposing 41.5 cm height and substantial 9 kg weight give the work the presence of a formal equestrian study rather than an ordinary decorative ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Unidentified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSchool: Italian School.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1950.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod: Mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: Expressive horse head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial: Patinated bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStylistic classification: In the Style of Raffaello Romanelli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurface: Dark brown patina with rubbed warm-bronze highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Unsigned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoundry identification: No mark located.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: Approximately 9 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture’s design depends upon curvature, contrast and controlled asymmetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the base, the muscular neck rises in a powerful sweeping line before turning sharply towards the horse’s head. This movement creates a sense of contained energy and allows the sculpture to present a different silhouette from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe facial modelling is equally expressive. The mouth opens slightly, the jaw tightens and the nostrils flare. Raised cheekbones and defined muscles convey anatomical structure beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgainst these comparatively smooth planes, the mane is worked into thick curling ridges. Its flame-like movement introduces deep recesses and projecting edges, producing a lively pattern of shadow and reflected light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEquine Character and Emotion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe horse has occupied an important place in Italian sculpture since antiquity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenaissance and Neoclassical sculptors studied the animal as a symbol of strength, nobility, military authority and controlled movement. Later Romantic artists introduced a greater emphasis upon emotion and physical tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present bronze participates in this long tradition. Its anatomical foundation is classical, but the twisting pose and agitated mane create a distinctly expressive character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than portraying a calm or idealised mount, the unidentified artist presents an individual animal filled with alertness and vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Romanelli Sculptural Legacy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historic Romanelli Studio occupies a former church in the Oltrarno district of Florence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe building was converted into a sculpture studio by Lorenzo Bartolini during the early 19th century. Pasquale Romanelli, one of Bartolini’s pupils, subsequently continued the studio tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive generations of Romanelli sculptors followed: Pasquale, his son Raffaello, Raffaello’s son Romano, then Folco and later descendants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe studio retains hundreds of historic plaster models and continues the Florentine practice of producing works in plaster, marble, resin and bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sculpture has not been identified among the studio’s documented models, and no Romanelli signature or workshop mark is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn the Style of Raffaello Romanelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaffaello Romanelli (1856–1928) was an accomplished Florentine sculptor known for public monuments, portraiture and large-scale commissions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis work was grounded in academic study while displaying the expressive movement and surface interest characteristic of Italian sculpture around 1900.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present horse head postdates Raffaello’s lifetime. Its relationship with Romanelli is stylistic rather than direct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe designation recognises shared qualities of anatomical emphasis, dramatic movement, strong silhouette and Romantic equestrian expression. It does not imply manufacture by the Romanelli Studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatina and Light\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patina is among the sculpture’s most attractive features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep brown colour collects within the eyes, mouth and sculpted recesses of the mane. The neck and muzzle present smoother chocolate-coloured planes, while projecting details have worn towards warm golden bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder directional lighting, the balance between dark recesses and brighter edges emphasises the turn of the head and movement of the mane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tonal variation is consistent with the sculpture’s age and provides it with established visual character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterior Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze would create a commanding focal point within a library, study, entrance hall or drawing room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts equestrian subject makes it especially appropriate for a collection of sporting art, horse portraiture or European animal sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strong silhouette and dark patina would complement antique oak, mahogany, leather and gilt furnishings. It could equally provide an expressive counterpoint within a restrained modern interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwing to its weight, the sculpture should be placed upon a stable cabinet, console, pedestal or reinforced display surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously offered through a Southern Shire auction house in the United Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired, researched and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded in “The Sporting Tradition: Equestrian \u0026amp; Animal Art of the 20th Century.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier auction and exhibition labels retained underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions and Weight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall height: 41.5 cm \/ approximately 16.3 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaximum depth from muzzle to mane: 39 cm \/ approximately 15.4 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBase width: 12.5 cm \/ approximately 4.9 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBase depth: 20 cm \/ approximately 7.9 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: Approximately 9 kg \/ 19.8 lb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements and weight are approximate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture is preserved in good original condition consistent with its mid-20th-century date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts chocolate-brown patina remains attractive and substantially intact. Naturally rubbed areas expose warmer bronze across the brow, muzzle and projecting locks of the mane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisible signs of age and handling include surface scratches, scuffing, rubbing and abrasions. Wear is most noticeable along the base edges and mane tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo cracks, substantial losses or repairs have been identified during visual examination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture remains structurally stable. Earlier auction, museum and exhibition labels are retained on the underside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photographs provide the most complete visual account of its condition and should be examined carefully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze will be professionally packed, fully insured and sent using a tracked service appropriate to its size and weight. Particular protection will be given to the projecting muzzle and mane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® for additional photographs, condition details or an individual shipping quotation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution \u0026amp; Research Notice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and over two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit, accompanied by transparent provenance research, accurate catalogue descriptions and a professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are always pleased to answer questions, provide additional photographs or discuss any artwork in greater detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56086869410170,"sku":"CAC-SK-0425","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/HorseHeadc1950AfterRaffaelloRomanelli.jpg?v=1761584886","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/en-kr\/products\/expressive-italian-bronze-horse-head-circa-1950-in-the-style-of-raffaello-romanelli","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}