Running Dog with Bone
Bronze sculpture on a wooden base • Modern school, possibly North American or European; stylistically reminiscent of the Expressionist animal sculptures of Alberto Giacometti or the figurative work of contemporary sculptors like Nicola Hicks.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Expressionism / Figurative Brutalism
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze using the lost-wax process (cire perdue), following an armature or framework style that emphasizes open space or negative volumes.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (circa 1980–2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-15 inches long and 8-10 inches high; Horizontal/Landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A dynamic representation of a canine in mid-stride. The body is skeletal and gestural, composed of thick, entwined bronze 'ropes' that create a sense of frantic movement. The dog carries a bone-like object in its mouth. The composition relies on kinetic tension and the play between solid bronze and air.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the patina appears stable and consistent with the intentional 'rough' finish of the casting process.
Estimated Market Value
$800.00 – $1,500.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$500.00 – $900.00 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a contemporary art gallery or directly from a studio. No visible foundry marks or signatures are apparent in the image.
Art Historical Significance
The piece reflects the late 20th-century trend of moving away from smooth, classical bronze finishes toward a raw, tactile surface that highlights the artist's hand and the casting process. It explores the 'animalier' tradition through a lens of psychological intensity.
Notable Features
The open-lattice structural design of the dog's torso is unique, suggesting weightlessness and speed. The contrast between the dark, textured bronze and the light, polished wood base is a key aesthetic feature.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust accumulation in the crevices of the open bronze work; minor surface scuffs on the wooden base.
Conservation Recommendations
Light dusting with a soft natural-hair brush. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment to prevent oxidation of the bronze and cracking of the wooden base. Avoid chemical cleaners.