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Lot Essay
The attribution of the present horse is based on its close similarity to an equestrian group featuring Henri IV which is documented as being by Prieur (see Brunswick, loc. cit.). Other examples of the Henri IV group exist in the Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe (Hamburg), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Louvre (Paris). The horses of both the Henri IV group and the present lot share elements characteristic of Prieur such as the elegant slim form, the small head with a twist in the neck and the bound tail.
Although small bronzes attributed to Prieur are not uncommon, the present lot is exceptional both for the security of the attribution and the quality of the cast. It was first published at the time of its inclusion in the exhibition of European bronzes, Von allen Seiten Schön (loc. cit.) in 1995-96.
A very similar example was sold in these Rooms on 6 December 1988, lot 187 (£18,000).
Although small bronzes attributed to Prieur are not uncommon, the present lot is exceptional both for the security of the attribution and the quality of the cast. It was first published at the time of its inclusion in the exhibition of European bronzes, Von allen Seiten Schön (loc. cit.) in 1995-96.
A very similar example was sold in these Rooms on 6 December 1988, lot 187 (£18,000).