"The Horseman"
This sculpture is based upon a picture or funerary style, dating from the European migration period. Located in Hornhausen, Germany this memorial stone to a Germanic warrior, mirrors in appearance similar Viking mounted cavalry, including the winged spear head and round shield. The Icelandic Sagas, I believe, make reference to Germans within Nordic groups, and to me, the resemblance to Norse Art in this stone is striking, to include the depiction of what seems to be the mortal world and underworld.
While designing my interpretation of this heroic image, I made modifications to its border and the proportions of aspects of the man’s and horse’s body to be more lifelike than the original. To include raising the entire design to a higher relief for a more dramatic appearance than the original.
Note: While carving the horse, the question was raised about the unique designs on its body. Was this simply embellished decoration or was this evidence that at one time Bronze and Iron Age warriors painted their steeds for battle like the Native American plains tribes?
Straight-Grained Redwood
(27.5" x 16" x 6")