Rare Leonardo da Vinci 'Horse and Rider' Sculpture Unveiled in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A never before seen sculpture by famed Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci was revealed at an unveiling ceremony held at the Las Vegas Country Club. The sculpture, a bronze cast from the mold of the original wax model, was named "Horse and Rider" by world renowned Leonardo expert Carlo Pedretti.  Pedretti, author of more than 50 books and 700 essays on the works of Leonardo, stated in his letter of authentication that "...this wax model is by Leonardo himself." The sculpture has been documented in several books and articles on the works of the original "Renaissance Man."

Dubbing the work "Horse and Rider," Dr. Pedretti stated that the sculpture was "possibly an equestrian portrait of Charles d'Amboise."  D'Amboise, the French Governor of Milan, befriended Leonardo upon his arrival in Milan in 1508, and quickly became one of his greatest patrons. The resemblance between the sculpted rider and Andrea Solario's portrait of Charles d'Amboise, housed in the Louvre and the same period, is remarkable.

In attendance was the artwork's owner, Richard A. Lewis from Indianapolis, Ind., who stated he had two objectives for the piece. "I want to share this remarkable sculpture with the world, and raise money to help people in need."  Lewis added, "To that end, I have decided to make a small number of reproductions from the original casting for sale to the public." 

Present at the event were representatives from the Salvation Army, designated by Lewis to benefit from sales of the masterworks and experts from the American Fine Art Foundry, where the sculpture is made.

The bronze reproductions are now on display in the Renaissance Galleries at The Shoppes at The Palazzo, Las Vegas, where they will remain for public viewing and purchase. Each work will have its own individual number and security safeguards to prevent forgery.  Art encounter, Las Vegas will provide worldwide distribution for the sculpture. 

Historical information and video presentation can be found at www.davincihorseandrider.com .

SOURCE Art encounter