No. 1963 / Pair of Italian Carved and Polychromed Wood Models of Rearing Horses.

A charming pair of Italian carved and polychromed wood models of rearing horses, late 18th/early 19th century. Each spirited animal is modeled mid-rear — one dark, one dapple grey — with carved flowing mane and tail, fitted with a colored bridle, tasseled harness, and a fringed caparison heightened in gilt, standing on an integral oval base carved to simulate rocky ground. Retaining their original polychrome decoration with the wear, losses, and mellow surface consistent with age. The hand-adzed, hollowed undersides confirm the early hand construction. A decorative and sculptural facing pair with genuine folk character.