Wildlife or Figurative Subject (Specific Title Unknown)
Bronze sculpture (limited edition) • C. McCleskey (Chris McCleskey)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Western Wildlife Art
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze using the lost-wax (cire perdue) process, with hand-chiseled numbering and signature in the wax or metal.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (estimated circa 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Tabletop or mantel size (estimated based on typical editioned bronzes); three-dimensional format.
Subject Description
While only the base/signature area is visible, the texture suggests a naturalistic or wildlife subject, characteristic of contemporary American bronze work often found in Western or wildlife galleries.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The bronze shows a dark brown patina with some surface dust and minor oxidation typical of age.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,500 USD (dependent on the size and complexity of the full subject matter)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery specializing in Western/Wildlife art or directly from the artist's studio. Identification is based on the incised signature 'C. McCLESKEY'.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century trend in American collectible bronze sculpture which emphasizes tactile realism and narrative wildlife themes.
Notable Features
Incised edition number '1/50' indicating this is the first casting of a small limited run; signature is hand-lettered into the material, showing a personal touch by the artist or foundry worker.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions; presence of verdigris or dust in the recessed lettering; potential fading of the original wax finish.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dusting with a soft natural-hair brush; application of a high-quality microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) to protect the patina; keep in a climate-controlled environment away from high humidity.