About this piece
back to topA D. Brucciani (1815 – 1880) antique 19th century plaster horse. This cast figure is signed ‘D. Brucciani & Co, London’ along the side of the base.
Brucciani’s firm was influential in making British plaster and bronze casts throughout the mid-late 19th century, becoming leaders in their field.
Both the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum assembled specialist collections of Brucciani’s architectural and sculpture castings.
Brucciani & Co
In the 19th century, there was a growing trend for bronze and plaster copies of Europe’s finest and most famous artworks. While many businesses emerged in the industry, one of the most successful was established by the Italian-born Domenico Brucciani (1815 – 1880).
Around 1837, he established his Gallery of Casts in London’s Covent Garden. Such was his talent that in 1866, Brucciani succeeded in casting the 18 metre, 12th century facade of the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, Spain, known as the Portico de la Gloria, or Porch of the Glory. This piece was so impressive that the V&A – then known as South Kensington Museum – created a designated segment of the museum to accommodate this monumental cast.
