Antique Cast Bronze Elephant Hunt Scene with Lion Antonio Amorgasti Belgium 1925

A large antique Animalier bronze sculpture group: lion hunting with elephants by Antonio Amorgasti 1880-1942, Belgium, titled "Mahout", circa 1925. The term "Mahout" is a Hindu word for an elephant driver or elephant keeper. This large cast bronze group depicts an elephant with her infant below, atop the elephant is her driver seated on a lion's pelt with the driver's ankus (a tool with a long handle & sharp metal point used by a Mahout to direct the elephant) resting on the lion's head. The bronze group is cast by the lost wax method (Cire Perdue) and is partially cold-painted to highlight the lion pelt and the muddy ground below, the bronze is raised on a black and white veined marble base. Condition is excellent, the bronze is of very large size and weighs approximately 60lbs, this rare and unusual antique bronze is ready to grace your space. Antonio Amorgasti was an Italian-born Impressionist and Modern sculptor who became a leading figure in the Belgian artistic landscape at the turn of the 20th century. Best known for his highly expressive animalier sculptures and public decorative works, he built a distinctive artistic legacy centered around the city of Antwerp. Animalier Subjects: Amorgasti frequently visited the Antwerp Zoo to study wild and domestic animals. His portfolio features remarkably detailed depictions of wolves, elephants, polar bears, and pheasants. He received formal artistic training at the Academy of Berchem.Apprenticeships: He apprenticed as a sculptor in the prestigious Antwerp workshops of celebrated Belgian artists Josuë Dupon and Edward Deckers. Amorgasti focused heavily on animalier sculpture but he also regularly depicted working-class individuals, such as blacksmiths, metalworkers, and hunters. He worked primarily in patinated bronze, plaster, terracotta, and marble. His style is recognized for its dynamic modeling, fluid lines, and a strong sense of physical tension and vitality. He also produced highly regarded ornamental designs, public decorative monuments, and portrait medallions across Belgian towns like Geel and Aver bode. Antonio passed his abilities down to his son: Marcel Amorgasti, who also became an accomplished sculptor. The two famously collaborated on a striking marble piece titled "Condor" for the 1937 Brussels Exhibition of Animal Art.