Michael Simpson, First Retrieve, Cast Bronze

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Leaning forward with an open, receptive hand, a sportsman clad in traditional country attire welcomes his gundog back from the … Read more Leaning forward with an open, receptive hand, a sportsman clad in traditional country attire welcomes his gundog back from the field. Cast in solid bronze, this figurative group titled 'First Retrieve' captures a classic sporting scene on an irregular, textured groundwork base that connects both figures. The composition pairs the standing hunter—wearing a flat cap, belted shooting coat, knee-length breeches, and tall boots, with a shotgun resting under his arm—against an eager retriever approaching at a trot. The dog carries a freshly retrieved game bird firmly across its jaws, its tail raised and muscular build defined through tight, naturalistic modelling. The textured bronze base simulates rough turf and trampled field cover, anchoring the separate elements into a single continuous sculpture. Finished in a rich dark brown patination with soft warm highlights over the raised folds of cloth and anatomical contours, the metalwork shows crisp chasing and fine detail throughout. The group measures 13 cm in height and extends 16.5 cm in length across the bronze base. Cast into the base near the hunter's feet is the sculptor's circular monogram mark alongside the incised edition numbering 170/250. Produced in the United Kingdom, the sculpture dates from the late 20th or early 21st century and remains in excellent order, retaining an unblemished patinated surface free from cracks, bends, or structural wear. See less