Kneeling Horse Sculpture

Age and Origin unknown

Item: Kneeling Horse Sculpture (Bronze)
Dimensions: 18 cm (L) x 11 cm (H)
Weight: 410 grams
Medium: Cast Bronze
Condition: Good
For Sale: Yes

Description & Identification:

This is a cast bronze sculpture of a kneeling horse with an elaborately styled mane arched forward in a dramatic crest reminiscent of a Trojan helmet or peacock plumage. The horse is shown in a unique seated or crouched pose with its legs tucked under the body, an uncommon representation in equestrian sculpture.

The body is adorned with scrollwork and spiral motifs in relief on both sides, evoking Ancient Near Eastern or Eurasian steppe artistic traditions (such as Scythian or Sarmatian decorative styles). The stylization of the mane and musculature, along with the lack of modern tooling marks, suggest a handmade or early casting process, though further metallurgical testing would be required to determine age precisely.

The sculpture has no visible maker’s marks, inscriptions, or foundry stamps. The dark reddish-brown patina appears aged, possibly intentionally oxidized to emulate antiquity.

Probable Origin & Style Influence:

Based on its stylized design and pose, this sculpture likely draws from one or a combination of the following traditions:

• Ancient Persian / Achaemenid Influence: The ornamental spirals and semi-mythological stylization (e.g., lionlike face or horse-dragon hybrid forms) resemble Persian griffin and winged horse motifs.
• Scythian or Steppe Art Influence: Spiraling motifs and kneeling animal poses are common in bronze artifacts from nomadic steppe cultures.
• 20th Century Revival Piece: There is a strong possibility that this piece is a 20th-century artisan or decorative revival cast inspired by ancient styles—possibly produced in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia.

Condition Assessment:

• Structural Integrity: Intact with no visible cracks or breaks.
• Surface Condition: Aged patina consistent with wear; light surface oxidation and rubbing on the high relief areas.
• Detail Preservation: Ornamental scrolls and mane textures are still well-defined despite age.

Market Value Estimate:

• Auction Estimate: $100 – $250 USD
• Retail/Dealer Price: $200 – $400 USD (depending on provenance and confirmation of age)
• Insurance/Replacement Value: $400 USD

Note: The price would increase substantially (up to $800–$1,200+) if provenance documentation or metallurgical analysis verifies it as a true antique from a nomadic or ancient civilization context.

Recommendation:

Due to the stylistic ambiguity and lack of markings, I recommend the following if seeking to establish value or historical authenticity:

1. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing: To determine alloy content and potential age.
2. Consult a specialist in Central Asian, Persian, or equestrian bronze antiquities for further review.
3. If for sale, target collectors of tribal, equestrian, or ethnographic bronzes, or list with reputable online dealers or auction houses that handle cultural revival bronzes.