Robert Greter - Elephant

bronze, cm 30 x 39 x 38

Signed and dated on the base: 'Rob Greter 1914'; foundry stamp 'Lazzaro Quartirolo Milano'.
Provenance: Milan, private collection

Robert Greter, an artist of Swiss origin, born in Lucerne in 1885, is mainly known for his small animalier sculptures in Art Nouveau style.
In 1911, he participated in the Annual Exhibition of Fine Arts in Milan with two bronze Caprette, while in 1912 he presented a White Bear and an Elephant in bronze, a subject often explored in his production. The version signed 'Rob Greter' and dated 1914 depicts the elephant as it strides slowly, its trunk outstretched forward. The vibrant workmanship of the surfaces results in a naturalism that is not concerned with optical detail, but mainly explores the movement of the animal in space and the synthesis of planes.