85 - RHINOCEROS. SILVER DESK SCULPTURE. ITALY, SECOND HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

RHINOCEROS. SILVER DESK SCULPTURE. ITALY, SECOND HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY. A finely modelled silver desk sculpture of a rhinoceros, created by Italian silversmiths during the second half of the 20th century. The figure displays an exceptional level of sculptural realism and refined craftsmanship. The powerful anatomy of the animal is rendered with remarkable precision, emphasising the muscular shoulders, deeply modelled folds of skin, naturalistic surface texture and the distinctive profile of the head with its two horns. The skilful interplay between polished and finely textured silver enhances the depth of the modelling, lending the sculpture an impressive sense of vitality and dimensionality. The work exemplifies the tradition of Italian artistic silver sculpture, which flourished during the post-war decades. Such cabinet sculptures were conceived both as sophisticated decorative objects and as highly collectible works of silver craftsmanship, combining sculptural expression with outstanding technical execution. Hallmarks: The underside bears the makers mark of an unidentified manufacturer, together with the official Italian assay mark in a polygonal cartouche incorporating a star and the registration number 323, corresponding to the Italian hallmarking system introduced after 1968. The sculpture is dated to the period after 1970. Dimensions: Height: 5 cm. Width: 10 cm. Weight: 188 g. Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: Private European collection. Width: 10cm, Height: 5cm, Depth: 3cm, Weight: 0.188kg, Condition: Good, Material: Silver, ID: ID-ANTQ-11612