Italian school; XIX century.

Italian school; XIX century.
"Horse".
Bronze.
Measurements: 57 x 72 x 17 cm.
During the nineteenth and twentieth century, animal-themed sculpture finally achieved its own status within the context of Romantic sculpture. Seeking to break away from the classical sculptural ideal, many artists saw in the animal theme a new way of expression, linked to the emotional and irrational nature, in a purely romantic sense.

The style of this piece is part of an aesthetic trend that developed during the nineteenth century, enhanced by the travels of the European elite and inspired by the ruins and monuments of the cities. The term "Grand Tour", which first appeared in Richard Lassels' "Le Voyage d'Italie", was used to define the long journey through Europe, especially Italy, that young British aristocrats used to undertake from the 17th century onwards, but especially throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The aim of the trip was for the young men to get to know the art and culture of France and Italy mainly, to admire classical art at first hand, to learn or improve their language skills, and to establish contacts and relationships with the cultural and political elites of these countries. Often, travelers were looking for pieces with which to start their own art collections, objects to take back to their places of residence as souvenirs. For this reason, workshops specialized in replicating Roman pieces, both in bronze and marble, sprang up, some of which acquired a great reputation.