New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely hand-carved wooden sculpture of a man riding a horse on a rectangular plinth. Fit with a black-painted harness, the horse raises its front left leg, striding forward. Its adorable face features two pointed ears, a long snout, a pair of almond-shaped eyes, incised nostrils, and an open mouth. The rider, who can be detached from the horse and stand on his own, displays long, movable arms that fall parallel to his body from square shoulders and wide-spaced legs, which allow him to be placed on the horse. The handsome gentleman is elegantly dressed, wearing a blue doublet and red trousers, both adorned with abstract white striations. A flat brown hat with side flaps frames his bearded visage, which features two huge eyes below an arched brow, a triangular nose, and a frowning mouth. Size of both together: 12" L x 4.5" W x 14" H (30.5 cm x 11.4 cm x 35.6 cm); Size of horse: 12" L x 4.5" W x 8.625" H (30.5 cm x 11.4 cm x 21.9 cm); Size of rider: 12" L x 4.5" W x 10.25" H (30.5 cm x 11.4 cm x 26 cm)
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s
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#161576
Condition
Expected surface wear with minor nicks, scratches, and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remains of pigment.