Bear-shaped stand. Black Forest, Germany, ca. 1900.

Support in the form of a bear. Black Forest, Germany, ca. 1900.
Walnut wood patinated and partially polychromed. Glass eyes.
Measurements: 94 x 39 x 48 cm.

Bear-shaped support made of patinated wood and partially polychromed (especially inside the mouth), made in the German Black Forest in the nineteenth century, an area in which there was an important tradition of this type of sculptural woodwork. The piece represents a roaring bear standing on its hind legs. The vigor and quality of the sculpture is characteristic of Schwarzwald carvings, as is the subject matter, with bears and other wild animals being the most represented. Their open jaws, the robust anatomy and the brightness of the eyes endow the carving with expressiveness. The quality of the finishes and textures is outstanding, especially in the animal's fur.