Many museums around the world display beautiful pieces of art. The Mingei International Museum of art in San Diego’s Balboa Park carries many types of art with a vast category of sculpture. One of the best pieces there is Carousel Horse by the Gustav A. Dentzel Carousel Company (1867-1928). Gustav Dentzel was a cabinetmaker, but decided to make carousel animals. His animals are the most anatomically correct than the work of other carvers. This horse in particular is a fine work because of the attention to detail, vivid colors, and realistic proportions. Detail is a great part of this sculpture, but the media that the piece was made shows the skill of the carver. It comes to life from the expression of the face. The opened mouth, wide eyes, and perked up ears really give the notion that the horse is alert, which makes it more life-like. Seeing this and realizing that it is carved from wood makes one admire it more. Wood is not a forgiving medial, so great skill is required and this piece reflects articulate craftsmanship. Additionally, the size of the horse makes it more intimidating and more realistic. If this was made from marble or anything other that wood it would not feel as real as it does. …show more content…
I am unsure if this horse was really used on a carousel, but I believe that it would definitely work for one. For this piece the art and the craft of it go hand and hand. It is amazing as a standalone sculpt, but if it were made strictly for ride purposes it would serve that purpose well. The bright colors help bring that carnival feeling, as well as the grand expression and pose of the horse. Additionally, the color of the horse’s mane and it’s eyes make it lifelike to where this piece becomes surreal over the mix or real and fake. The surrealism is what made it stand out in the gallery in comparison to the real culture costumes and