Neapolitan Caspar, King of Tarsus, in Royal Robes on Horse

Live Auction

22" (56 cm.) seated. 18"w. horse. Polychromed terra cotta shoulderhead portraying aged grey-haired bearded man, deeply-sculpted hair and flowing beard, enamel eyes, tow-wrapped posable armature body, carved wooden arms and legs, carved and painted distinctive green open-toed boots with gold rims, wearing very lavish original royal costume with overall gilt metallic embroidery and beading, comprising silk striped harem pants, lined silk fitted tunic, lined blue velvet jacket, golden silk cape with tasseled trim, padded draped turban with pearl beading and silk tip, sash with gilt sabre, and seated on brown painted terra cotta horse with enamel eyes, deeply-sculpted mane and tail, with decorated red velvet saddle and decorated harness, on wooden base. Excellent condition. Neapolitan, mid-1700s, portraying Caspar, King of Tarsus, bearer of gold in the traditional Magi scene. The model is extraordinary, only in its luxury size, but in its magnificent sculpting, lavish costume, and perfectly-preserved condition.