Bronze By Kai Nielsen – "the Stud Farm Owner" Foundryman Rasmussen, Denmark, Early 20th Century

Impressive bronze sculpture depicting a corpulent man standing with a dignified posture and assured bearing, dressed in a three-piece suit with a double-breasted waistcoat, tied cravat, bowler hat, walking cane, and cigar in hand. He wears riding breeches fastened with buttoned straps and high strapped gaiters, typical of equestrian gear. Everything in his attire and stance evokes a “horse estate owner,” a respected and affluent figure of the Danish equestrian world in the early 20th century.

The realism of the modeling, the strength of the volumes, and the discreet satirical touch are characteristic of Kai Nielsen (1882–1924), a renowned Danish sculptor who also created models for the Royal Copenhagen porcelain manufactory. This finely executed bronze bears the engraved signature of Kai Nielsen and the mark of the prestigious Rasmussen foundry, active in Copenhagen at the time.

A rare, expressive, and solidly crafted piece, typical of Nielsen’s sense of humour and talent for social portraiture.

Specifications:

Height: 49 cm

Base: 20 × 13 cm

Weight: 8.3 kg

Material: bronze with brown patina

Signature: Kai Nielsen

Founder’s mark: Rasmussen, Denmark

Period: early 20th century