An Exceptional Opportunity for Art Collectors
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 19, 2024 – A remarkable opportunity has arisen for art collectors as a bronze cast of the only existing sculpture by Leonardo da Vinci is now up for sale. The owners of the sculpture have commissioned Art encounter, a prominent art dealer and gallery based in Las Vegas, to facilitate this historic sale, with an asking price of $100 million.
The sculpture, named Horse and Rider, was created using a mold derived from the original beeswax scale model crafted by Leonardo in the early 1500s. This model represents the artist’s friend and patron, Charles d’Amboise, who was the French governor of Milan, depicted atop a horse. Historians believe the model was intended to be transformed into a grand life-sized bronze monument; however, the project remained unfinished following d’Amboise’s death in 1511.
The provenance of the model has been meticulously established through rigorous academic and scientific examination. The Oxford University Research Laboratory for Archaeology and History verified its origin, while esteemed Leonardo expert Dr. Carlo Pedretti affirmed that the work is indeed by Leonardo’s hand.
Horse and Rider is curated by Art encounter President Brett Maly, a recognized specialist in fine art who has frequently contributed to media discussions on this subject. Maly described the work as having “extraordinary” detail, thanks to the casting completed by American Fine Arts Foundry in 2012, using wax taken from a mold of Leonardo’s original.
Distinguishing features of the bronze include the artist’s initials, “LV,” identified by prominent Leonardo scholar Professor Ernesto Solari, along with fingerprints believed to belong to Leonardo himself. Dr. Pedretti confirmed that “all details of the wax model are present in the bronze.”
Maly expressed his strong conviction regarding the art’s authenticity and value, noting, “I have inspected the art and spent years studying its history, scientific analyses and expert assessments.”
Scott Ferguson, Executive Director of Art encounter, remarked on the sculpture’s fascinating 500-year journey across various countries, stating, “It’s a miracle Leonardo’s beeswax original survived long enough to be realized in bronze.” He emphasized the honor of representing such a historically significant work.
Currently stored in a vault, Horse and Rider can be viewed by appointment only. James Petty, the art historian and owner representative, has extended an invitation to Renaissance and Leonardo scholars to examine the piece.
Further details, including a comprehensive history, videos, and additional information about the sculpture, can be found at www.DavinciHorseandRider.com.
This rare offering not only highlights the enduring legacy of Leonardo da Vinci but also presents collectors and art enthusiasts alike with an unprecedented opportunity to own a piece of history. The sale emphasizes the importance of preserving and appreciating artistically significant works, making it a beacon of hope for the appreciation of art in modern times.
For inquiries, please contact Brett Maly at Art encounter, located at 5720 S. Arville Street, Suite 119, Las Vegas, Nevada 89118, or call 702-227-0220.
About Art encounter: Founded in 1992 by art broker Rod Maly and President Brett Maly, Art encounter has earned recognition as Las Vegas’ premier resource for fine art services. With over 30 years of experience, the team offers expert services in art sales, valuation, and authentication, supporting the buying and selling of works by notable artists of the last century and a half, including Picasso, Warhol, Cezanne, and Dali.
This event signifies a cultural milestone for both art collectors and historians alike, reminding us of the profound connections we share with our artistic heritage.