Francesco Fanelli (1577-after 1641) Anglo-Italian, 17th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is some wear and dirt consistent with age and handling. The figure of the turk is slightly loose on the horse. There is also movement in his sheath. The blade of the sword may have been replaced. Under the proper left hand of the Turk there is a small loss to the manes of the horse . There are joints visible at the lion's tail and the spear on the base. There are two small holes in the centre of the base.
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George Vertue's account of the collection of Lord Oxford has firmly established that this model of the Turk was conceived by Francesco Fanelli. Vertue notes the typical black lacquer finish which also adorns the present bronze. In an earlier account of the sculptor's qualities, Joachim von Sandrart lauds Fanelli's ability to produce models and casts that do not require reworking. It is in particularly fine casts such as this bronze Turk that Fanelli's individual talent is best illustrated: even on this minimal scale the horseman's hunt is captured at its most dramatic moment, with all elements clearly revolving around the lion's crushing bite.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. von Sandrart, Teutsche Academie der Edlen Bau-, Bild- und Mahlerey-Künste, Nuremberg, 1675, vol. III, p. 350, no. XXII; J. Pope-Hennessy, 'Some bronze statuettes by Francesco Fanelli', Essays on Italian Sculpture, London, 1968, pp. 166-71, fig. 192; H.R. Weihrauch, Europäische Bronzestatuetten. 16.-18. Jahrhundert, Braunschweig, 1967, pp. 236-7, fig. 286