Alvaro
Close your eyes. Imagine the sights, sounds and smells of a hot summer day. The crush of spectators around you. The scent of cattle and horses hanging heavy in the air. And the deafening cries as the matador and picadors engage the bull in the Portuguese arena. In the midst of the action is Alvaro. He rises to his hind legs at the urging of his rider, French braided mane entwined in ribbon, leaping forward to confront the snorting, enraged bull.
Close your eyes. Imagine a silent moment suspended in time. Soft classical music begins. The scent of horses, citronella, and dust hangs heavy in the air. Open your eyes. You are at the edge of a dressage ring, watching an elegant horse with an almost hawk-like profile rising into a graceful arc as he performs a turn on the forehand during a musical freestyle. This is Alvaro.
Sculpted by artist Michelle Platt, Alvaro epitomizes the ancient Lusitano breed. The Lusitano is believed to have developed on the Iberian Peninsula over 25,000 years ago relatively unchanged over history from those of the engravings and wall paintings in ancient Portugal. The hot-blooded Puro Sangue Lusitano has been celebrated through history as a hardy, intelligent and extremely friendly horse that excels where courage, boldness, and character are necessary. The breed is noted for bullfighting, but also excels in dressage and can be found as notable standouts in the jumper circuit as well. He is an extension of the rider itself, thought perhaps to be the embodiment of the Centaur of Greek Mythology.
Alvaro is a large Traditional size work, standing 13” tall with base. He is captured in action, rising to meet whatever challenge lies before him. He has a long, properly French braided Baroque mane, suitable for an Iberian stallion. Lusitanos may be found in any solid colors, with palominos and cremellos the most desirable, so think of the gorgeous colors you can paint this horse! He is cast in hollow resin with a medallion-embellished base by Mountain View Studios Inc. and available solely through EquinArt Creations Inc. ALVARO is a limited edition of only 50 pieces and is partially sold out through presales. The cost is $250.00 for each cast, plus international postage for collectors outside of the 50 United States.
For more information or to order Alvaro, please visit EquinArt Creations.
Alvaro photo descriptions/credits
1-6: Blank resin
7-8: Alvaro by Dani Schat
9-11: Alvaro by Lora Speiser
12-14: Alvaro donation paintwork by Carolyn Smith
15-16: Alvaro by Martina Glahe
17: Alvaro by Kathy McKenzie
18: Alvaro by Shelly Rath
20-26: customized by Sara Gifford, ears twitched and paintwork by Windy Williamson
27-34:
Jennifer's Imagination
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