A. Garnier - Sculpture, biga romana - 32 cm - Silverplated

Silvered metal sculpture group depicting a Roman chariot with a charioteer and two rearing horses.

The charioteer, wearing a crested helmet and draped tunic, drives the two-wheeled carriage with the reins taut; the two horses are caught mid-rear, with their front legs raised and mouths open. The composition rests on a naturalistic terrace that imitates the ground, which in turn is affixed to a rectangular wooden plinth painted black.

Signature and mark: along the edge of the terrace there are, in relief and thus fused with the piece, a cursive signature and the inscription "Italy". Both are part of the model and were not added afterward.

Material: polished-silvered metal with a dark patina in the recesses. The piece is not bronze: the weight-to-volume ratio (5 kg for a volume of about 23 liters) excludes bronze casting. It is a lightweight alloy with a silver finish, a typical technique of Italian edition sculpture from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Dimensions: height 32 cm, length 43 cm, depth 17 cm (base). Weight 5 kg.

Condition: good, with wear consistent with age. The wooden plinth shows flaking paint along the edges. The silver patina shows signs of use and natural metal oxidation, visible especially under the hooves. Please review the photographs, which supplement the description.

Provenance: private collection, Italy.

Note: the signature has not been identified with certainty; the surname is difficult to read. The piece is sold on the basis of the description and the provided photographs.