297 - MALTESE KNIGHT. BRONZE CABINET SCULPTURE. WESTERN EUROPE. TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

MALTESE KNIGHT. BRONZE CABINET SCULPTURE. WESTERN EUROPE. TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY. An impressive cabinet bronze sculpture depicting a Maltese Knight, created by a Western European sculptor at the turn of the twentieth century. The figure is mounted on a tall rectangular pedestal carved from black natural stone, probably marble or serpentine, lending the composition a monumental presence and an architectural quality. The knight is portrayed in a dignified frontal stance, holding a mace in his right hand and a shield in his left. The shield is decorated with a heraldic bear, while the breast of the chainmail bears the Maltese Cross, the principal emblem of the European military and hospitaller orders. The sculpture is distinguished by its expressive modelling and the finely executed details of the armour and weaponry. Cast in bronze using traditional artistic foundry techniques, it is finished with a rich two-tone patina and enhanced by selective hand chasing, emphasizing the texture of the chainmail, garments and martial attributes. The harmonious contrast between the darker and warmer bronze patinas enriches the sculptural modelling and decorative effect. The work is a characteristic example of European cabinet bronze produced during the Historicist period and intended for the decoration of distinguished interiors. Marks: Unsigned. Without foundry mark. Dimensions: Figure height: 38.3 cm. Pedestal: height 20.0 cm; length 26.6 cm; width 15.6 cm. Condition: Very good condition. No losses. Width: 15.6cm, Height: 58cm, Depth: 1cm, Weight: 5kg, Condition: Excellent, Material: BRONZE, ID: ID-ANTQ-8086