STEPHAN ABEL SINDING | Walküre (Valkyrie)

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some greening in areas, notably to the horse's head. The bronze is cast in sections, and a few stable original joints are slightly visible. There appears to be a restoration to the joint at the woman's proper right shoulder. There is some rubbing to the patina and minor scratching in areas, including to the proper right arm and proper left foot, and the horse's mouth. The spear is loose and slides into the woman's hand.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sinding was a sculptor of international repute, a native of Norway whose formulative years were spent in Berlin before he married a Dane and settled in Paris. The Walküre depicts the Wagnerian heroine Brunhilde sweeping down the mountain, speeding on her furious steed in fierce anticipation of battle below. Bröchner recounts that Sinding took a studio halfway up the Boulevard de Raspail especially so he could study horses going downhill. He spent hours in observation until one day a Normandy stallion became restive right outside his window.  He seized the opportunity to sketch the bared teeth and peculiar expression that is the hallmark of this wild and wind-swept creature.

Many of Sinding's works were bought by Carl Jacobsen and can be found in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. The Valhalla Frieze commissioned to illustrate Norse mythology similarly depicts violent displays of energy including a panel of mounted female amazons.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. J. Bencard and F. Friborg, Catalogue. Danish Sculpture around 1900. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, 1995, pp.133-37; G. Bröchner, 'A Norwegian Sculptor: Stephan Sinding' in Studio Magazine, July 1914, pp. 17-20, pp.17-20