A refined pair of elegant mid-century Brass Sculptures of a mother deer and fawn with rich patina mounted on wenge plinths
At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility
• Date: Mid-20th century
• Material: Brass figures with aged patina
• Bases: Unwaxed West African wenge wood plinths
• Subject: Mother deer and fawn
• Finish: Naturally developed surface patination
• Form: Sculptural decorative objects, sold as a pair
• Dimensions:
• Deer - Including plinth: H: 54.5cm (21.5") | W: 32cm (12.6") | D: 12cm (4.7")
• Fawn:- Including plinth: H: 33cm (13") | W: 35cm (13.8") | D: 10.5cm (4.1")
• Each plinth: H: 2.5cm (1") | W: 40cm (15.7") | D: 15.25cm (6")
• Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature located beside the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order
Desirability
• Mid-century animal sculptures are increasingly sought after
• The deer and fawn motif is timeless, emotive, and highly decorative
• Brass paired with wenge creates a refined and balanced contrast
• Suitable for both traditional and modern interiors
• Decorative yet narrative, adding warmth and quiet symbolism to a space
Heritage, History & Craftsmanship
A charming and highly decorative pair of mid-century deer and fawn sculptures, beautifully modelled in brass and mounted on unwaxed West African wenge wood plinths. Depicting a gentle mother deer and her young fawn, the figures are elegantly proportioned, with finely textured coats and expressive, characterful faces that lend them both presence and personality.
The brass surfaces have developed a rich, warm patina over time, enhancing the sculptural depth and bringing subtle variation to the modelling. The contrast between the softly aged brass and the dark, finely grained wenge plinths gives the pair a refined, quietly confident aesthetic.
Balanced and sculptural, they work wonderfully displayed together on a console, sideboard, or mantelpiece, introducing a natural motif and a sense of calm elegance into both classic and contemporary interiors.
Brief Historical Note
During the mid-20th century, animal sculptures became popular decorative objects, reflecting a growing appreciation for nature and organic forms in interior design. Deer, in particular, were favoured subjects, symbolising grace, gentleness, and harmony. Brass was widely used for such works due to its durability and ability to develop a pleasing patina over time, while hardwood plinths elevated these pieces from ornament to sculptural art objects suitable for domestic display.
Styling Suggestions
• Display as a pair on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or console, with space between them to emphasise their silhouettes and gentle “conversation”
• Style with mid-century ceramics, teak or walnut pieces, and a simple linen lampshade to echo the era without over-theming
• Place against a darker wall, within a bookcase, or in front of framed artwork so the warm brass patina reads clearly and the wenge plinths feel anchored
• For a seasonal vignette, pair with winter greenery, pinecones, or a low garland — the motif feels quietly festive without being overtly “Christmas”
• Use in an entry hall or sitting room as a soft focal point: refined, calming, and subtly narrative
Explore Every Facet
Our high-resolution photographs let you examine this bench in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Study the expressive faces, the finely textured coats and spotted detailing, the slim leg modelling, and the beautiful tonal variation in the aged brass patina, along with the grain and finish of the wenge plinths.
Sustainable Style
Thank you for considering this elegant pair of mid-century brass deer and fawn sculptures - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures.
Choosing antique and vintage objects preserves existing materials, supports traditional craftsmanship, and brings depth, individuality, and continuity into modern interiors.
Purchase with Confidence
White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Each item is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.
measurements
Height:
55 cm
Width:
32 cm
Depth:
12 cm
measurements
declaration
Whites Antiques has clarified that the Elegant Mid-Century Brass Sculptures of Deer & Fawn with Warm Patina on Wenge Plinths (LA557019) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being Mid 20th Century