Silver plated vintage Equestrian bust of a horse, after Classical Antiquity

Anonymous, probably by Argenteria Etruria
Probably Florence, Italy; late 20th century
Silver plated (.925) over resin mounted on a stepped wooden base

Approximate size: 14.5 (h) x 10 (w) 5.5 (d) in.

The present bust of a horse features a decorative halter or headcollar, likely indicating a form of parade or military-inspired armor which includes decorative motifs in high relief inspired by Classical antiquity. This specific style of halter indeed recalls the Classical era, comparable with authentic survivals such as the antique bronze horse featured on the statue of Marcus Aurelius preserved in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Later Renaissance artists borrowed similar forms in their triumphant equestrian statues like Andrea del Verrochio’s monument for Bartolomeo Colleoni or Donatello’s equestrian statue of Gattamelata.

The present bust, silver-plated over a resin cast, is likely of late 20th century origin and is probably from the Florentine Argenteria Etruria, specializing in museum quality productions inspired by the antique world. The design is probably inspired by the antique, as noted above, and it is mounted eloquently upon a stepped ebonized wood base. The silver features a handsome aged patina.

Wear commensurate with age, including some minor nicks to the base and residue of glue where a descriptive plate was once mounted. Minor spotting on base due to age.