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Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Monumental Lost-Wax Cast Bronze Sculpture of a Knight...
Bronze fusion in lost-wax casting - 20th century — This imposing bronze sculpture, made in Italy in the 20th century, offers a powerful interpretation of the famous group of Saint George and the Dragon, inspired by Bernt Notke’s late Gothic masterpiece. The work, of monumental dimensions, captures the dramatic and narrative essence of the struggle between good and evil, a highly fascinating iconographic theme. The scene is frozen at its culminating moment, offering a vision of extraordinary intensity and dynamism, destined to become the visual focal point of any setting. The composition is dominated by the figure of the rearing horse, whose taut musculature and powerful twist convey a sense of unstoppable energy. Upon it, Saint George, depicted as a knight in full armor, leans forward, brandishing the lance with a resolute gesture to deal the final blow to the dragon. The interaction among the three figures — knight, steed, and beast — creates a vortex of movement that spirals, guiding the observer’s gaze through every detail of the battle. The saint’s cloak, billowing in the wind, adds a touch of theatricality to the Gothic severity of the composition. The attention to detail is remarkable and testifies to the quality of the fusion. The knight’s armor is finely chased with ornamental motifs that embellish the surface, while the focused and stern face expresses the hero’s determination. The dragon’s body, contorted in agony at the horse’s feet, is a masterpiece of modeling: the scales are rendered with precision, the membranous wings unfold irregularly, and the open jaws reveal a menacing dentition. Even the rocky base, an integral part of the sculpture, contributes to the sense of realism, anchoring the scene to rugged terrain. Made with the complex lost-wax casting technique, the sculpture exhibits a lively surface, where light plays on the volumes and on the different textures. The dark patina, tending toward a glossy black, not only protects the metal but also lends depth and drama to the work, evoking the look of great historical bronze fusions. This finish enhances the contrasts between the smooth surfaces of the horse’s body and the richly decorated armor and dragon skin. The direct inspiration is the monumental wooden polycrome group with deer antlers, completed by Bernt Notke in 1489 and preserved in the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan). That work is regarded as one of the most important examples of Northern European late-Gothic sculpture. This bronze version pays homage to its grandeur and expressive force, translating the language of carved wood into that equally noble and durable medium of molten metal. At the base of the sculpture, the signature “BERNT NOTKE” is clearly inscribed. This detail should not be interpreted as an attribution to the 15th-century artist, but rather as an explicit homage to the master and his masterpiece. It certifies the intention to create not a slavish copy, but a 20th-century reinterpretation that celebrates the artistic legacy of one of Europe’s most powerful iconographies. For its strong dramatic impact and refined execution, this sculpture group represents an exceptional collectible piece and a prestigious decorative element. Ideal for enriching a library, a professional study, or a reception room, it fits perfectly into contexts that value art and history. Its monumental and narrative nature also makes it a perfect candidate for a modern “Cabinet of Curiosities” or Wunderkammer.
Estimate:£7,087.93
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£7,087.93
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