Centaur bronze by Giovanni Galleani. H: 11", W: 16", D: 8.5".Nice bronze, signed Giovanni Galleani 1925 in the work, sharp casting, some wear to the patina.--------------------------------------------------------David's notes: Greek mythology is ripe with references to Centaurs, the half man half horse was a popular theme of aggression and unbridled sexuality.The first reference to centaurs fighting over a deer is probably the Roman stone carving from the Lycian Sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis,Sidon(late 5th century), showing two Centaurs and the deer caught between.The deer represented many things, but most often love, innocence and the hunt, which is why deers are so often seen with Diana and Venus.Giovanni re-interprets the theme to show the Centaur almost losing to the deer, has he doubles backwards to hold on to his catch.This is an obvious choice on the sculptors part of showing the struggle of the centaur to the audience, as almost the main subject of the work.The Art Deco period, and the early 20th century sculptors often agonzied to interprete ancient art in some kind of modern reference, and Giovanni creates an interesting design that takes the focus away from the mythological cliche, and turns it into a writhing twisting posturing of cathartic energy.

Good condition overall