Walter WINANS (1852-1920) - Lot 99

Walter WINANS (1852-1920) Sioux Indian chief on horseback, 1893 Reddish-patina bronze proof Signed and dated on the terrace, stamped "Yorkshire Trades Sheffield 1892 Awarded for Excellence Industrial Exhibition". 68 x 41 x 21 cm (Scratches, oxidation) Condition report available on request: contact@neo-encheres.com For comparative works: - Sotheby's sale November 25, 2009, lot no. 35 - Christie's sale April 29 1998, lot n°62 (with a different terrace) NOTICE Walter Winans (1852-1920), in addition to being influenced by Leonard Wyon and exploring the dynamics of the horse in works such as "American Trotter", is part of a tradition of animal sculptors who share his passion for the realistic and expressive representation of animals, particularly horses. Among the artists close to Winans, Antoine-Louis Barye was a key figure in the 19th-century animal movement. Barye is renowned for his detailed sculptures of wild beasts, and although his subjects are often more exotic than Winans', his naturalistic approach influenced many artists, including Winans himself. Pierre-Jules Mêne, another French sculptor, is known for his hunting scenes and horse sculptures, sharing with Winans a passion for animals in motion, often captured in moments of tension or elegance. John Edward Millais, a British sculptor and painter, although better known for his paintings, also produced works of animal sculpture in a style similar to that of Winans. Sir Alfred Munnings, a famous painter and sculptor of horses, is another artist with whom a direct link can be established. His depictions of racing and hunting horses in Britain illustrate a similar understanding of equestrian dynamism. Finally, Thomas François Cartier, a French sculptor specializing in hunting scenes and animals, particularly dogs and horses, could also be cited for similarities with Winans. Both share a fascination with the animal as a symbol of power and beauty, while incorporating aspects of hunting culture into their art. In this way, Winans follows in a rich tradition of animal sculptors, including Barye, Mêne, Munnings, Cartier and Bissell, all of whom share a naturalistic and dynamic vision of animal representation.