Vassili Yacovlevitch Grachev (Russian, 1831-1905), Shooting Tactics

1877, a finely detailed casting in patinated bronze, dated and signed in Cyrillic with C.F. Woerffel foundry mark.

5 x 8.75 x 6 in.

From the Collection of Bruce R. Kuniholm, University Distinguished Service Professor of Public Policy and History Emeritus, Founding Dean Emeritus of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

Vassili "Vassily" Yacovlevitch Grachev was a sculptor active in the Russian Federation and well-known for equestrian bronze sculpture, hunting figures, equestrian scenes and sleighs, as well as military scenes. He was a contemporary of artist Evgeni Alexandrovich (Eugene) Lanceray (1848-1886) during an important period in Russian bronze sculpture.

Grachev specialized in capturing gesture and movement in his sculptural works. The work here shows a Cossack infantryman aiming from behind his loyal mount during an intense moment in battle.

Good estate condition; some light areas of rubbing to the patina; very minor area of mis-shaping to lance pole.