“Taking It Easy” – Bronze Rabbit by Richard J. Smith, Artist’s Copy, Lost‑Wax Cast

Taking It Easy - a finely modelled bronze rabbit by English artist Richard J. Smith (b.1955), presented here as the rare artist’s copy. Cast using the traditional lost‑wax method, this serene and naturalistic sculpture reflects Smith’s celebrated precision and sensitivity, honed through a career spanning illustration, medical art and internationally collected wildlife painting. Why We Love This … There is a quiet confidence to this piece. Rather than dramatics, it offers stillness and warmth - a work that feels entirely at ease with itself. As the artist’s copy, this example holds particular significance: traditionally, this is the master from which the edition is cast and is most often retained by the artist personally. That alone places it in a rarer and more desirable category. The modelling is gentle yet assured, capturing the rabbit in a moment of calm repose. It has that unmistakable quality of a sculptor who truly understands anatomy - not in a clinical way, but with affection, sensitivity and respect for natural form. At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility • Date: Contemporary • Origin: England • Artist: Richard J. Smith (born 1955, Luton, Bedfordshire) • Title: Taking It Easy - Bronze Rabbit • Edition: Artist’s copy (master example) • Materials: Solid bronze, cast using the lost wax method • Dimensions: H: 22cm (8.7") | W: 43cm (16.9") | D: 19cm (7.5") • Condition: Very good, consistent with a carefully held artist’s piece • Notable Details: Calm, naturalistic modelling; expressive yet understated pose • Versatility: Suitable for interiors both classical and contemporary • Collectibility: Highly desirable due to artist’s copy status and established auction record • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase Heritage, History & Craftsmanship This finely observed bronze rabbit is the work of Richard J. Smith, an English contemporary artist whose career began in the world of technical and scientific illustration. Smith trained at Luton School of Art, graduating with a diploma in Technical & Scientific Illustration - a discipline that demands precision, accuracy and a deep understanding of form. His early role as a medical artist at the John Radcliffe teaching hospital in Oxford further refined his anatomical insight. By 1978, Smith had transitioned to full‑time fine art, gaining an international reputation for his wildlife paintings, particularly of fish and water, celebrated for their realism and sensitivity. Smith’s paintings have been sold through all major London auction houses - Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams and Phillips - and in 2007 he was commissioned to produce works for the Sultan of Oman. The same observational skill, respect for natural form and quiet emotional resonance found in his paintings is clearly present in this sculptural work. The sculpture is cast in solid bronze using the traditional lost‑wax method, a labour‑intensive process that allows for subtle modelling and a soft, tactile surface. As the artist’s copy, this example represents the master from which the edition is created - a piece of particular importance in any sculptor’s oeuvre. Social History Animal sculpture has long held a place in British decorative and fine art traditions, from 19th‑century sporting bronzes to contemporary wildlife studies. Richard J. Smith’s work sits comfortably within this lineage, combining naturalistic accuracy with a gentle, characterful presence. The rabbit - a symbol of gentleness, alertness and domestic calm - is a subject that resonates across interiors, bringing warmth without sentimentality. In contemporary settings, pieces like this offer a grounding, organic counterpoint to clean architectural lines. Condition • Excellent overall condition • Even, well‑preserved patina • No structural issues • Base stable and secure • No evidence of restoration • Surface consistent with a carefully held artist’s piece Provenance • Artist’s copy (master example) • From a dealer with a discerning eye for contemporary sculpture • Acquired directly from a private source Terminology by Style • Lost‑Wax Casting: A traditional method producing exceptional detail and surface quality • Artist’s Copy: The master example, typically retained by the sculptor • Naturalistic Modelling: Sculptural representation grounded in accurate observation • Patination: Controlled colouring of bronze through heat and chemicals • Studio Sculpture: Works produced by trained artists in limited editions or unique casts Styling Suggestions This bronze rabbit works beautifully as a quiet focal point - ideal for a console table, bookshelf or low plinth where the silhouette can be appreciated at eye level. It sits comfortably in country‑house interiors, studies and garden rooms, yet feels equally at home in clean, modern spaces where its organic form provides contrast. Soft directional lighting will enhance the gentle curves and warm patina. Explore Every Facet These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Viewed from different angles, the sculpture reveals subtle variations in surface and posture, encouraging slow, considered appreciation. The modelling rewards close inspection, with the lost wax process lending depth and softness to the bronze finish. Sustainable Style Thank you for considering this Artist’s Copy of a Bronze Rabbit Sculpture - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. Bronze sculpture is inherently enduring - designed to last for generations. Choosing a thoughtfully made, collectable artwork such as this supports longevity, craftsmanship, and the continued appreciation of traditional casting techniques. 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. Every item is described and photographed with care, offering complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and trusted resource for both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each piece, and appreciate these timeless furnishings in person. Delivery & Collection Information • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase • Collection welcome from our Sussex showroom • Local delivery available • Nationwide couriers arranged on request