Pair of horses. Italy, 18th century

Pair of horses. Italy, 18th century.
Gilded bronze. Marble bases.
Measurements: 24 x 10 x 18 cm.

Pair of sculptures made in gilded bronze, of round bulk, representing two horses in freedom, captured with a precision, a naturalism and an expressiveness that denote not only mastery on the part of the sculptor, but also a careful study of the natural.

During the 19th century, animal-themed sculpture finally achieved a status of its own, 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.