A Russian bronze group of a Circassian on Horseback, Chopin foundry, after the model by Evgeny Lanceray, dated 1873, the rider portrayed in traditional dress of a fur hat and coat, standing atop his horse's saddle and aiming a rifle, on a naturalistically modelled rectangular base with canted corners, approximately 28cm high This model by the prolific St. Petersburg born painter and sculptor Lanceray depicts a Circassian rider practicing the traditional equestrian sport of Dzhigitovka, in which the rider performs complex stunts and acrobatic tricks on horseback. The Chopin foundry received a patent to cast this model in bronze in 1874, and in 1876 it was presented at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Condition Report: The bronze bears the usual minor marks, knocks, scratches and scuffs overall consistent with age. The patina is a quite dark and rich brown, with areas of rubbing and lightening particularly to he exposed edges. The bronze may have once had reins, and they are lacking. The rifle is a little bit bent. There is a subtle join to the tail, though this may be the result of manufacture. Some dirt to the recesses which could presumably be addressed with a gentle clean. Condition Report Disclaimer