Traditional Metal Farm / Western Artwork

The silver plated Arabian Horse with Head Down sculpture by artist Ricardo del Rio of D'Argenta Silver Elegance is a wonderful contemporary piece. This stunning equine specimen stands quietly with its head tilted downward and its beautiful mane flowing down its neck. This simple rendition is certain to be a pleasant focal point of any room.
Weight: approx. 4 lbs.
About D'Argenta Silver Elegance
Ornate in design, exquisite in detail, and beautifully elegant, the Sterling Silver Plated products created by the artists of D'Argenta Silver Elegance are the perfect heirloom quality pieces for any home. The distinctive sterling silver designs stand out against the black neillo inlay and the intricate detail is breathtakingly attractive. D'Argenta Silver Sculptures and objects d'art offer unparalleled excellence in quality and exquisite attention to detail, because they are the hallmarks that have established D'Argenta as a leader in the export of precious metal-finished art for over a quarter of a century.
Each of the over 200 limited-edition sculptures, personally signed by the artist, is technically flawless yet competitively priced..the same master-craftsmanship received in pieces that have been gifted to royalty, heads of state and the Vatican. From the surface detail of the innumerable tumuli and broad swells that impart the hides of the elephant collection to the graceful lines that capture the motion of a stallion's gallop, you will marvel at the beauty of your truly unique acquisition as it graces a special place in your home.
Historically, sculptures composed of precious metals were crafted using the traditional hot casting process. 25 years ago, the artisans at renowned metal art company D'Argenta introduced an advanced new metalworking technique that changed the way precious metals are sculpted. D'Argenta's new method combined cold casting and electroforming to create intricate, finely detailed sculptures. The pieces are initially plated with a . 015 inch (400 micro) thick layer of copper, then plated with silver or (24K) gold at a thickness of . 001 inch (24 micro). Each sculpture's interior is composed of a polyester fiberglass core that strengthens sleek metal plating. After being formed, each piece is coated with a protective lacquer to prevents tarnishing and maintain luster. This final step ensures that all D'Argenta sculptures, though crafted with fine silver, do not require polish or any type of metal cleaner and can be simply dusted with a dry cloth as needed.
Exported around the world and now available in over 25 countries, D'Aragenta's products have won international acclaim because of their innovative construction and exquisite beauty. In 1981, D'Argenta was recognized with the Bulgarian Government Gold Medal award. In 1992, a D'Argenta sculpture was gifted to His Royal Highness Prince Naruhito of Japan on a visit to Mexico. A nod to the company's exclusive prestige, D'Argenta sculptures have been gifted to an increasingly long list of dignitaries, including Pope John Paul II, Prince Phillip of England, and his Majesty King Harald of Norway.
The gifted artists of D'Argenta include: Manuel Alvarado, Ricardo Del Rio, Enrique Jolly, Javier Arenas Perez, Claudio Rodr

Bison by artist Eli Hopkins captures a living symbol of the American plains. Cast in the finest bronze available anywhere in the world and finished in a special hot patina that highlights the intricate detail of the piece. Limited to an edition of just 200 pieces. Internationally renowned American artist Mark Hopkins creates bronze sculptures that have thrilled collectors and casual art fans alike for more than two decades. Mark Hopkins' unique balance of organic inspiration and singular contemporary design has been called "bronze in motion" for its fluid look, which often appears to display natural beauty in defiance of gravity.
About Mark Hopkins
Mark Hopkins takes his inspiration for every facet of life on Earth, from the majesty of wildlife to mankind's interaction with nature, and produces limited-edition pieces that evoke a sense of awe and respect for the mysteries and loveliness of the world around us. Collectors of his work include Barbara Mandrell, Clint Eastwood, Bill Clinton, Colin Powell, George and Barbara Bush and a host of other luminaries and corporations including the National League Association of Baseball Club Owners, the Atlanta National Golf Club, Humana, Coca-Cola and others. Each Mark Hopkins sculpture is crafted with pride in the USA.
Captivated by form and design, Mark has personally created a signature style of vibrant vitality resulting from decades of study. Encouraged by parents and teachers from an early age, Mark's unique talent developed alongside his technical skills of sculpting and casting. As an artist, Mark is constantly challenging himself to render the rich beauty of life and the deep emotion of the human soul into flowing sculptural form, noting "I strive to express beyond the image, to catch spirit, to reveal deeper emotions, and to share joy. "
About the Production Process
From the artist's hand to the final polishing stages, many intricate steps go into the creation of a limited edition bronze sculpture. First the reproduction mold is made in which layers of silicone rubber and plaster are delicately applied to the original work. Then hot wax is poured into the reproduction mold to form an exact replica of the original sculpture.
When the wax replica is removed from the mold, it is then inspected and refined or "chased" by hand to remove any imperfections that may have occurred in the reproduction process. Next, ceramic cup and wax sprues, or gates, are added which later will help channel the molten bronze into the shell to create the sculpture.
The next step is creating the ceramic shell by alternately dipping the wax replica over a period of several days into a vat of liquid slurry, then a vat of silica crystals. The shell is then set to dry, and the process repeats until the shell has reached the appropriate thickness and strength.
The finished shell is placed in a high temperature oven that melts and removes the wax (the traditional "lost wax" method). The hardened or "fired" shell is secured, so the molten bronze can now be poured into the wax impression.