Monumental Mid-Century Monoxylous Hand-Carved Hardwood Rhinoceros, c. 1960 - 41" x 75½"

This impressive mid-20th-century rhinoceros sculpture, probably dating from the 1960s, is hand-carved from a single large block of dense hardwood. The monumental figure is modeled with a broad rounded body, powerful shoulders and two dramatically elongated horns. Deeply carved folds around the neck, incised ribs and carefully observed anatomical details give definition to its considerable mass, while the raised head and forward-stepping leg lend the sculpture a strong sense of movement. The warm reddish-brown wood has developed a rich patina, with a haigh polish that highlight the carving and tonal variations of the wood. The piece is mounted on a long blackened-wood base that reinforces its sculptural presence. 

Its monumental scale and powerful silhouette make this rhinoceros a true statement piece. In an entrance hall, large living room or at the end of a long sightline, it would anchor the space and draw the eye, bringing bold sculptural presence with an unexpected touch of wit and curiosity. The unusual subject gives an interior personality and a sense of discovery, while the rich wood keeps the overall effect warm and sophisticated.