Woolly Mammoth (Trophy Head Study)
Bronze Sculpture on Marble Base • Likely American School, contemporary wildlife sculptor. Possible attribution to artists such as Rick Taylor, Lorenzo Ghiglieri, or similar western/wildlife bronze specialists.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Wildlife Art
Medium & Technique
Bronze using lost-wax casting technique; features cold-painted or patinated highlights and high-relief textural detailing for fur and trunk.
Creation Period
late 20th to early 21st Century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18-24 inches in height (Estimated large tabletop format)
Subject Description
A detailed bust of a Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius). The composition features a highly textured head showing thick fur, prominent brow ridges, and iconic upward-curving tusks. The head is elevated by an organic-looking bronze support atop a polished circular marble base.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the patina appears intact and the structural integrity is sound.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a wildlife art gallery or specialized auction; a signature and edition number (e.g., /50) are likely incised near the base of the bronze but are not clearly visible in the image.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the modern intersection of paleontology and fine art. This piece follows the tradition of 'Animalier' sculptors such as Barye, but applies it to prehistoric megafauna, a popular niche in contemporary Western and natural history art.
Notable Features
Remarkable anatomical detail in the 'musth' area and trunk folds; the tusks use a contrasting smoother patina to simulate prehistoric ivory.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation in the deep crevices of the fur texture; possible light oxidation on the tips of the tusks due to handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from high humidity. Dust periodically with a soft, natural-bristle brush. Waxing with microcrystalline wax (Renaissance Wax) once every few years can protect the patina.