Art collectors and enthusiasts are buzzing after the announcement of a landmark sale involving a stunning bronze sculpture tied to the master of the Renaissance himself, Leonardo da Vinci. The sculpture, named "Horse and Rider," is currently on the market with a staggering price tag of $100 million.
Unveiled by Art encounter, a prestigious gallery based in Las Vegas, this artwork is based on the only known wax model crafted by Leonardo da Vinci, one of art history's greatest figures. According to the gallery’s President Brett Maly, the bronze version was cast in 2012 using techniques honed over the years to respect the integrity of the original model. Maly emphasized the sculpture's extraordinary detail, saying, "The sculpture was cast by American Fine Arts Foundry, using wax pulled from a latex mold of Leonardo's original. The detail is extraordinary."
The original model, hailed as the only surviving wax cast by Leonardo, has quite the story. Historians believe da Vinci intended to use it to create a life-sized bronze sculpture of his patron Charles d'Amboise, the governor of Milan, who died before the project reached fruition. The model traveled across landscapes and generations, landing it firmly on the art world’s radar as a must-see for serious collectors.
Scott Ferguson, the executive director of Art encounter, reflected on the model's breathtaking history: "Horse and Rider’s 500-year expedition from Italy to Switzerland, to England, and finally to America is fascinating. It’s quite miraculous the original wax form survived long enough to be realized as bronze. We are extremely honored to represent such significant work."
The provenance of this sculpture is backed by extensive research, spanning decades, which has involved rigorous academic and scientific validation. The Oxford University Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History confirmed its period and place of origin after testing samples from the model. Further expert evaluation by Dr. Carlo Pedretti, who is renowned for his studies on da Vinci's works, only strengthened claims about this piece's authenticity.
What also sets this sculpture apart are the tiny but significant details preserved from the wax model. The presence of fingerprints, believed to be da Vinci’s, along with his initials clearly marked on both the wax and bronze versions, provides tangible links connecting the new work to the legendary artist himself.
"I have inspected the art and spent years studying its history, scientific analyses and expert assessments," Maly noted with confidence. "I’m completely convinced of its authenticity and value." Buyers interested during this unique sale may feel compelled to act swiftly; the artwork is currently stored safely within the gallery awaiting its eventual new owner.
It's not just collectors who are eager for this opportunity; Renaissance scholars and da Vinci experts have shown interest, with viewing appointments available for those wishing to inspect the piece first-hand. Art encounter welcomes inquiries from both collectors and academics, eager to understand the full history of such a remarkable piece of art. For information, appointments can be made directly through the gallery, ensuring interested parties can experience the craftsmanship of da Vinci up close.
Across the globe, the art world is watching and waiting. This sculpture not only encapsulates da Vinci's artistic genius but also serves as a vehicle for exploring history, reverence for the Renaissance era, and the connections between past and present artistic endeavors. The anticipation of who will claim this piece continues to grow, as it's clear this isn't just another artwork—it's a tangible legacy of one of humanity's most brilliant minds.
For those who wish to learn more, detailed information about the sculpture, its history, and even video presentations can be found at DavinciHorseandRider.com. This platform serves both collectors and enthusiasts alike, detailing the fascinating catalog of da Vinci’s works through curated insights and accessible content.
