catalog text
ALBERT MORITZ-WOLF (RUSSIAN, 1854-1923) BRONZE TROIKA GROUP OF “HUNTSMEN”
Black patinated bronze over silvered bronze base, signed in cyrillic, inscribed with Gladenbeik foundry mark, numbered D6924
Item # 609IQX10P
A rare and fine glimpse into the dangerous lives of the Cossack during the 19th century, this complicated casting is carefully composed of dozens of individual elements. The troika rushes through the snow across an icy lake while a Cossack leans dangerously over the back of the sleigh to ward off approaching wolves. One of the horses has fallen through the ice, simulated by the silvered bronze base with broken blocks of ice scattered around it’s body, leaving the team in a critical and perhaps fatal position. The work is a lifetime cast by Albert Moritz-Wolf, one that rarely is available on the open market. The same scene of identical dimensions was offered by Sotheby’s (Sale W05722, 29 Nov 2005, Lot 376, 13” width) for an achieved sale price of 14,400 GBP. Albert Moritz-Wolf sculpted many scenes depicting Cossacks, but perhaps his most interesting works are troika groups, almost always depicting extreme moments where danger looms: one similar group to the present example shows a troika with two figures while a wolf attacks the left horse of the trio. His sculpture is almost without exception exquisite in quality, working frequently with the Gladenbeck foundry, a firm renowned for their precise and perfect castings. The present example is signed in cyrillic by the artist and inscribed with the foundry mark of “Akt. Get. V.H. Gladenbeik Berlin” preceded by the impressed numbering of D6924. Exquisite and preserved in outstanding original condition, this is a most powerful group, an unfinished story of two courageous Russian figures.
Measurements: 5 1/4” H x 13” W x 5 3/4” D [bronze group and bronze base]; marble base 6 5/8” D x 13 1/4” W
Condition Report:
Marble base is added and can be easily removed. Tarnishing and wear to silvered bronze base. Figures with some old wax buildup, some grime and dust in crevices. All elements intact and original.