To produce a really competent 3D representation of something is extremely hard. Not only does the artist need to understand the unique bone and muscle structures of the animal as is moves and rests, but also needs to capture the true character and essence of the creature at that moment in time. On top of this common features such as fur, feathers and markings need to be simplified to suggest merely their presence as such detail would otherwise become overwhelming.
Because animals have played a central role in human experience there are plenty of famous animal sculptures as diverse as the Sphinx in Egypt to the bronze bull at Wall Street. But while these may win our affections from their scale and physical presence, sometimes even tiny handheld animal sculptures can win our hearts just as much for their fragility and attention to detail. Indeed, to produce a peaceful curled up cat the size of a coin is far harder than creating it in full size. We have some great 20th Century examples where this is the case.
Whether made of Bronze, stone, wood or something else, at LoveAntiques our knowledgeable dealers understand what makes the difference between a good animal sculpture and a great one.
Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art
£ 985
London Fine Ltd
Japanese Meiji Period Patinated Bronze Eagle Hawk Sculpture - Antique Okimono
£ 650
artsonline.org.uk
Martin Brothers Style Bronze Grotesque Wally Bird Sculpture 20th Century
£ 335
artsonline.org.uk
Rare Georgian Equestrian Armorial Desk Seal c.1770–1800
£ 2,000
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Antique Mounted Horse Bust, English, Iron, Coat Hook, Equestrian Tack - Edwardian
£ 575
London Fine Ltd
Scottish Bronze Newfoundland with Historic Kennel Club Inscription
£ 2,000
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
1940 Victor Veri-lite Mallard Decoy - Animal Trap Co Lititz PA Glass Eyes
£ 135
The Grand Tour Antiques
Vintage Solid Wood Green-winged Teal Drake Decoy - Rustic Folk Art
£ 155
The Grand Tour Antiques
Vintage Solid Wood Mallard Drake Decoy - Hand-painted Decorative Folk Art
£ 155
The Grand Tour Antiques
Ancient Chinese Han Dynasty Painted Pottery Tiger Mythical Beast Guardian Figure
£ 1,250
artsonline.org.uk
Equestrian Bronze of Spanish Riding School Stallion & Rider
£ 1,495
Robert Belcher Antiques
Large Antique Quality Carved Linden Wood Japanese Bear Carrying a Fish
£ 1,385
London City Antiques
Liberty & Co Style Leather-bound Horse Sculpture Statue Mid Century Vintage
£ 199
artsonline.org.uk
Exceptional 9th Century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality
£ 2,950
artsonline.org.uk
Signed Bronze Sculpture of a Stag Standing on a Rock Set on a Marble Plinth
£ 500
Elmgarden Antiques
Wall-mounted Sculpture of a Curlew, Carved & Painted - Mounted on Painted Panel by Guy Taplin
£ 4,800
Wick Antiques Ltd
‘Mallard’ Carved & Painted, Signed and Inscribed with Title by Guy Taplin (b.1939)
£ 1,600
Wick Antiques Ltd
Draft Horse, A Powerful Bronze Sculpture in the Style of Renee Sintenis (1888-1965)
£ 6,500
Koos Limburg Jnr
Art Deco Period Dugout Real Pair of Impressive Elephant Arm Chairs
£ 5,500
Koos Limburg Jnr
