Walking Horse, Giambologna (Douai, 1529-Florence, 1608) Workshop of. Bronze, transparent red lacquer.

21 x 20 x 7.5 cm

Thanks to Dr. Charles Avery for the verbal guidance he provided after viewing the bronze in person.

The bronze statuette is presented with alloy tests carried out at the laboratories of the University of Physics of Milan, X-rays, and a certificate of free export.

This beautiful "walking" horse is part of the production of the close circle of Giambologna, a Flemish sculptor who naturalized in Florence.

The bronzes produced by his foundry and those of his pupils and followers are renowned. Both Antonio Susini and Pietro Tacca, heirs to the master's foundry and models, replicated Giambologna's inventions after his death, often equaling and surpassing him in the field of chiselling. This is the case with Susini, who, having trained as a goldsmith, finished his bronzes with extraordinary skill (and this is his signature style), distinguishing himself from the master's often more "cast" and "waxy" works.

Our model, with the short mane of archaeological models, closely resembles the one kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, attributed there to Susini.

The extraordinary transparent lacquer with reddish tones, typical of the best Florentine productions, embellishes the work and provides precious information.

The relative, and limited, finishing of the details enriches it with an additional charm.

The power and dignity of the small quadruped at the walk explode in the definition of the anatomy and the shine of the coat.

Furthermore, Dr. Charles Avery generously pointed out to us that our specimen has the typical oval base of castings made by Giambologna's foundry during his lifetime.

It's impossible to delve further into the description of this potentially important fusion. We'll ideally leave that study to the great collectors or connoisseur dealers who might be fascinated by the discovery and take on the challenge of attribution.

The related scientific tests, now so useful in the diagnosis of works of art, can help in the choice.

Bibliography
Charles Avery, "Giambologna's Horses: Questions and Hypotheses," in "Giambologna between Florence and Europe," conference proceedings, Centro Di, Florence, 2000, pp. 11-28.