Description
This bronze model of The Centauress (Centauride) by Walter Winans (1852 to 1920) is signed and dated 1915 to the naturalistic bronze base and raised on its original rectangular green marble plinth.
The sculpture depicts a female centaur, a far less commonly encountered subject than the traditional male centaur of classical mythology. The nude female figure stands with one arm resting behind her head while the other falls naturally at her side, her gaze directed slightly upwards. The transition between the female torso and equine body is handled as a single continuous form, giving the figure a natural, flowing profile.
The bronze carries a rich dark brown patina across the surface, with the figure standing upon an organically modelled rocky base before being mounted on the polished green marble plinth. The modelling throughout is crisp, from the facial features and flowing hair to the contours of the horse’s body and tail.
Signed Walter Winans and dated 1915 to the bronze base, the sculpture was produced during the artist’s lifetime and represents one of his mythological subjects. While Winans is widely recognised for his equestrian sculpture and animal subjects, works depicting classical figures are encountered much less frequently.
The original green marble plinth complements the bronze well and provides a substantial foundation for the sculpture, making it an impressive display piece from the early twentieth century.
View the full Bronze Sculpture collection.
MEASUREMENTS
41.5cm High x 30cm Long x 12cm Wide (16.34 x 11.8 x 4.7 Inches)Â
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition
Who was Walter Winans?
Walter Winans (1852-1920) was an American sculptor, marksman, and avid equestrian who achieved international acclaim for his fine bronze sculptures during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in St Petersburg to a wealthy railway engineering family, Winans spent his childhood in Russia before relocating to England as a young man. Possessing an intimate knowledge of equine anatomy, field sports, and wildlife, he devoted his artistic career to modelling bronze statuettes that captured dynamic movement, muscular tension, and naturalism. His work was exhibited fourteen times at the Royal Academy in London and gained widespread admiration among European collectors.
Winans holds a unique place in history as one of only two individuals to win Olympic medals in both athletic and artistic disciplines. Having secured a gold medal in shooting at the 1908 London Games, he went on to win an Olympic gold medal for sculpture at the 1912 Stockholm Games with his bronze statuette An American Trotter. His deep practical experience as a horse breeder and competitive marksman directly informed the extraordinary realism of his bronzes, making his equine, hunting, and Western figures highly sought after by collectors of turn of the century sporting art.
For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Walter Winans.
WHAT IS BRONZE?
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike.
In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
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We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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