Two Bears Fighting
Brienz, Switzerland
Late 19th century
Walnut
This sculpture represents two bears engaged in combat, carved fully in the round from walnut and mounted on a circular base. One animal rears with jaws open, while the other braces forward, forelimbs raised. The composition conveys physical tension through the interlocking forms and diagonal movement of the figures.
The carving is notable for its detailed surface treatment. The fur is rendered with dense, closely worked incision, with elongated, downward strokes along the undersides suggesting wet, clinging hair. The open mouth of the upper bear reveals articulated teeth and tongue, demonstrating careful attention to anatomical structure.
The base is carved to resemble a fractured ice floe, its angular planes and fissures contrasting with the textured modeling of the animals. The walnut retains a warm, even patina that accentuates the depth of carving.
Animal groups of this type were produced in Brienz in the later nineteenth century, when the region was internationally recognized for naturalistic wood sculpture associated with the Black Forest tradition.
Two Bears Fighting
Brienz, Switzerland
Late 19th century
Walnut
This sculpture represents two bears engaged in combat, carved fully in the round from walnut and mounted on a circular base. One animal rears with jaws open, while the other braces forward, forelimbs raised. The composition conveys physical tension through the interlocking forms and diagonal movement of the figures.
The carving is notable for its detailed surface treatment. The fur is rendered with dense, closely worked incision, with elongated, downward strokes along the undersides suggesting wet, clinging hair. The open mouth of the upper bear reveals articulated teeth and tongue, demonstrating careful attention to anatomical structure.
The base is carved to resemble a fractured ice floe, its angular planes and fissures contrasting with the textured modeling of the animals. The walnut retains a warm, even patina that accentuates the depth of carving.
Animal groups of this type were produced in Brienz in the later nineteenth century, when the region was internationally recognized for naturalistic wood sculpture associated with the Black Forest tradition.
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