AFTER VASILI YAKOVLEVICH GRACHEV (RUSSIAN, 1831-1905), COSSACK ON HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH
Signed in Cyrillic, foundry mark "Fabr. C.F. Woerffel"
c. 1880-1900
Item # 1403NJT17PP

As is typical with works from the Woerffel foundry, this work is cast with utmost precision and attention to detail. The chiseling is above reproach in every aspect - for a feel of scale, view the slideshow of images, as this bronze is quite diminutive while the details are nearly life-size. It depicts a scene of a handsomely dressed gentleman in his troika, pulled along at full trot in the snowy ground by his horse. The level of intricacy in the sculpture is noteworthy, the harness being an incredibly complex mixture of loops and straps, each perfectly cast proportional to the scene.

While we note various aspects as potentially damaged (for example, the hoops in front of his feet that in theory could loop around the rods), many casts of this model show distinct variations in assembly - the work depicted in Animals in Bronze shows the horse's foot projecting far over the edge of the base, despite the base remaining 9 1/2" in length; an example at Christies (Sale 7905, Lot 438, 9 1/4" length, sold for $3,710) depicts the sleigh rods running along the ground and affixing to the horse harness just below the belly; another example at Christies (sale 7598, lot 364, 8 3/4" long, sold for $4,396) depicts the sleigh rods in a sharp curve down to the ground, the figure's feet propped on these bars and the little "hoops" at the forefront bent inward in an identical manner to the present example. It is clear that some liberties were taken in the foundry process with precisely how the pieces would be assembled, where on the base the figures would be positioned and the precise makeup of the sleigh. These are the delightful variations, the one of a kind approach to finishing the bronze, that make these such attractive works to own.

With a rich and deep patina, ranging from the deepest of blacks to gold on the inside of the horse's legs to rich browns and everywhere in between, this is a very fine piece that will be cherished by any serious collector of antique Russian bronze sculptures.

Notes:

• Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, p. 388 - the present example is depicted c. 1880's measuring 4 1/4" x 9 1/2" (11 x 24 cm)
• E. Benezit: Dictionary of Artists, vol. VI, p. 536

Measurements: 9 3/4" long (23.5 cm) x 4" high (to top of horse's head) x 3 1/4" deep

Condition Report:
Break to harness strap, as pointed to in the slideshow images. Crack to sleigh stretcher, though it is possible this is original after viewing numerous versions of this cast, this depicting the sleigh as old and run down. Right sleight skate slightly out of groove. One pole flanking horse with an inward curve. The Cossack's feet are cast several different ways with this model, but it is possible they were intended to rest on the "bent" implements in front of his feet - it is possible these were originally looped over the poles, but several casts feature them bent like this; again, possibly depicting the derelict nature of the sleigh. Please form your own opinions regarding these condition notes using the slideshow and high-resolutions, or feel free to call us for further information. Light patina wear, though overall the patina remains in quite fine condition. Please review all images in the slideshow for a full overview of condition.