Italy, Florence, 17th century Horse at a walk Bronze model Resting on an oval bronze base H.23 cm (9 in.) l.25 cm (9 ¾ in.) Comparative bibliography: C. Avery, Giambologna - The Complete Sculpture, Oxford, 1987, nos. 38. and 132. A bronze model of a pacing Horse, Florentine, 17th century *Information for buyers : Lot from outside the EEC: to the commissions and taxes indicated in the general terms and conditions of purchase, import VAT (5.5% of the hammer price) must be added. *Information to the buyers : Lot from outside the EEC : an import tax (5,5 % of the hammer price) will be due, in addition to the commissions and taxes indicated in the general conditions of purchase. Our bronze is shown at a walk, with the right front and left hind legs raised. The animal's supple gait is accentuated by an elegant head carriage, turning its neck slightly. Although no ancient source mentions this popular model as an invention of Giambologna, the attribution is universally accepted on the basis of its similarity to the horse in the equestrian bronze of Cosimo I de' Medici (1587-99) in the Piazza della Signoria, Florence (Avery, op. cit.,). From the sixteenth century onwards, interest in small, exclusive bronze sculptures grew. This type of horse was one of the most popular themes in the workshops of Florentine sculptors throughout the seventeenth century. Sometimes offered as diplomatic gifts, these bronzes were placed with other works of art and curiosities in small private rooms or "Kunstkammern". Horses were particularly sought-after, inspired by models from Antiquity and the Italian Renaissance, such as the statue of Cosimo I de' Medici mentioned above.