Bronze Hound's Art Collection: The Guardian by Michael D'Ambrosi (contemporary)

I was quite impressed with this bronze when I saw it listed in an auction online. The buy-it-now price was a bit high, so I watched it for about six months until I felt I had saved enough to make an offer that wasn't an insult. The buyer accepted my offer and in due course it arrived at my home. I was shocked by its size, it is quite large and heavy, and was impressed by the detailed polychromatic patina. I don't move it around that much.

Michael D'Ambrosi is a versatile sculptor. His subjects range across the board, from abstract to Western to animals to religious themes, and on and on. This is not so surprising though as he is the son of a sculptor, the much lauded late Jasper D'Ambrosi. Michael created this sculpture while he was in his "Apache phase," when virtually all of his output was of Apaches (and he made many). I have yet to contact him about this piece, but I am looking forward to it.

This bronze depicts a fit Apache man in traditional everyday dress circa 1870, a headband, wide white cloth loincloth held up by a thick gun belt complete with rifle shells around his waist, a pair of high buff hide boots and an all-over tan. His long black hair hangs loose across his chest and down his back. He is wearing what appears to be a shell, a polished stone or peace medal around his neck on a beaded necklace as well as another beaded necklace, likely turquoise or coral that hangs down past his navel. In his right hand he's casually carrying a rifle. He is standing on a pile of rocks or maybe a bluff, his pose relaxed but vigilant as he looks down at something below.

The bronze is mounted to a squared block of wood with a satin finish, nothing fancy. I may change it out for stone. Bases are typically added by the gallery and to the taste and budget of the buyer and are not specific to the artwork. Unless they were put there by the artists as part of the overall work (which usually shows), they're pretty much interchangeable and changeable, like frames on paintings.

Overall this statue is in immaculate condition and required not even cleaning when it arrived. The patinas are undamaged and nothing is dented, bent or broken. Even the wood base and brass tag are nearly pristine. It is signed by the artist, has the cactus sigil of the foundry and is numbered 4 of 24 on the bronze. It's a stunning bronze, no doubt about it. I'm glad I was able to bring it home.

I'll be taking new pictures soon, but until then, these will do.

Enjoy.