THE SCOUT
Carl Kauba (Austrian, Working 1865-1922)
Height 28.25" (72 cm)
Bronze, rich mid and dark brown patina with polychrome detail and set on a marble base
Carl Kauba was born in Vienna on the 15th August 1865. He studied under the Austrian sculptors Carl Waschmann and Stefan Schwartz at the School of Arts and Crafts in Vienna. He was greatly inspired by accounts from the American West, especially the lavishly illustrated accounts written by the German, Carl May. Kauba executed vast numbers of small bronzes and specialised in sculpting scenes gleaned from these stories. He would use countless photographs and illustrations of the Wild West as visual guides. Incredibly, he never had the opportunity of visiting the United States, which make these pieces all the more fascinating.
His representations of cowboys on horseback, riding, shooting, roping and Indian braves in warpaint with different tribal costumes were exported to America from 1895 until 1912. It was not until some time after his death, however, that many American collectors considered him to be one of the finest portrayers of the American West on a par with Frederick Remington.
The present piece is a fine example of Kauba’s style, dramatically capturing the essence of the ‘Wild West’ with great aplomb. Kauba has depicted a United States Army Scout on horseback precariously plunging down the mountainside with the full compliment of equipment and paraphernalia.
The drama of the composition is immediate and Kauba has observed the great riding skill of the scout. As he throws his weight to the back of the saddle he manages to maintain great balance and a vice like grip with his knees. Kauba has also modelled his fists tightly clenched - a rifle in one and reins in the other - in so doing the gritty determination of the rider is wonderfully conveyed.
Kauba's research of his subject matter is extremely thorough and is reflected in the consistent detail throughout. From the cowboys clothing and equipment to the horses tack, the modelling is exquisite.
Literature
H Berman, Bronzes, Sculptors and Founders, Abage Publication, Chicago, 1974, illustrated, fig. 4758