🐎 Mid-Century Italian Bronze Horse Head Sculpture c.1950 | Expressive Romanelli Studio Style, Florentine Equestrian Art

A powerful and emotionally resonant Italian bronze horse head sculpture, cast circa 1950 in the dramatic style of Raffaello Romanelli (1856–1928) and the esteemed Romanelli Studio of Florence. Standing an impressive 41.5 cm tall and weighing 9 kg, this mid-century equine work embodies the expressive romanticism, muscular dynamism, and refined anatomical precision that define the Florentine bronze tradition.

🎨 Sculptural Presence – Motion, Emotion & Form

Capturing a moment of heightened tension, the horse is portrayed in alert reaction, its neck arched in a striking S-curve while the mane bursts into expressive, flame-like curls.

• Anatomical tension visible in flared nostrils, open mouth, and taut jawline

• Muscular definition with raised cheekbones reinforcing stylized strength

• A posture that powerfully evokes vitality, resistance, and emotional intensity

✨ Patination & Surface Expression

Finished in a deep chocolate umber patina, with subtly worn highlights revealing warm golden bronze tones across raised areas such as the brow, muzzle, and mane. Under directional light, this contrast produces a dynamic and animated presence.

• Smooth neck and muzzle surfaces echo a groomed sheen

• Textured, wind-swept mane enhances dramatic movement and emotional urgency

🏛 The Romanelli Legacy – Florentine Equestrian Tradition

Raffaello Romanelli, famed for his equestrian studies and expressive bronze works, established a sculptural lineage that continued into the post-war era. This piece strongly aligns with mid-century Romanelli studio characteristics:

✅ Romantic musculature | ✅ Sweeping mane drama | ✅ Emotional energy | ✅ Traditional Florentine patina

Attribution: In the style of Raffaello Romanelli and the Romanelli Studio, Florence, circa 1950.

👑 Collectability & Art Historical Appeal

More than a decorative sculpture, this piece stands as a statement of mid-century Italian artistry. Its exhibition history, scale, and expressive intensity make it a compelling acquisition for collectors of bronze, equestrian art, and European sculpture.

📐 Dimensions & Weight

Height approx. 41.5 cm; depth (nose to mane) approx. 39 cm; base approx. 12.5 cm x 20 cm; weight approx. 9 kg.

🏛 Provenance & Exhibition History

✔ Southern Shire Auction House, United Kingdom
✔ Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
✔ Exhibited at the Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire, England
🔹 Exhibition: “The Sporting Tradition: Equestrian & Animal Art of the 20th Century”

✅ Condition

Good original mid-century condition with desirable vintage patina. Minor rubbing, abrasions, and scuffs to base edges and mane tips, consistent with careful display. No cracks, losses, or repairs. Underside retains original museum and auction labels. Stable and well-preserved example.

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🛒 Click “Buy It Now” to secure this expressive mid-century Italian bronze before it gallops away.
An exceptional equestrian masterpiece rooted in Florentine sculptural heritage.