Young Fighting Bull - Bronze by Guido Righetti (c. 1926)

This powerful sculpture by Guido Righetti depicts a young bull in full combat, its body taut with effort, its head lowered in a burst of instinctive aggression. The dynamic, expressive composition reveals energetic modeling and a keen sense of animal movement.

The bronze patina, a rich dark brown with reddish and golden hues, accentuates the sculpture's texture and depth, emphasizing the animal's anatomy and evoking the shine of living skin. The animal's forward-leaning posture, taut muscles and well-set legs suggest imminent movement, giving the whole a strong, realistic presence.

This work was originally conceived as part of a larger group entitled "Combat de jeunes taureaux" (ref. OD1, Guido Righetti, Poletti & Richarme, UDB, 2007, p. 151). The present sculpture represents the bull on the right of this composition. This model was never published by UDB (Univers du Bronze), the foundry responsible for 21st-century reissues. This print is therefore an old casting, predating modern editions, and faithful to the spirit and material intended by the artist.

The bronze rests on a black marble base, which supports the sculpture without distracting from its formal power.

Stylistically, Righetti is part of the expressive trend in animal sculpture of the early 20th century. A contemporary of Rembrandt Bugatti, he shared not only a passion for animals, but also a common training with the Russian-Italian master Paolo Troubetzkoy, famous for his spontaneous, impressionistic modelling technique. Righetti, like his master, was quick to sculpt in clay or wax, letting emotion guide the form before moving on to bronze casting.

Although less internationally renowned than Bugatti, Righetti is appreciated by collectors for his bold naturalism, expressive textures and poetic treatment of animal life. "Jeune Taureau Combattant" is a striking example of this aesthetic: a vibrant, intense and tactile work, where the animal's physical strength meets the sculptor's artistic sensibility.

Ref: ODBPFUUA8M