Art Deco Bronze Statue - The Release - signed Alex Kelety

The Release – A Captivating Art Deco Bronze Sculpture by Alex Kelety

"The Release" is an iconic bronze sculpture created by the masterful Art Deco artist Alex Kelety. This powerful work of art captures the intensity and energy of a hunter struggling to restrain a pack of hounds, poised and eager for release. With its fluid lines, dynamic composition, and meticulous attention to detail, this sculpture exemplifies the elegance and vigor of Art Deco design, merging human strength and animalistic drive into a single, breathtaking composition. Mounted on a polished marble base, The Release embodies the timeless appeal of Art Deco while celebrating the connection between humanity and nature’s raw force.

About the Artist – Alex Kelety and His Legacy in Art Deco Sculpture

Alex Kelety (1892-1940) was a Hungarian artist renowned for his dynamic portrayals of animals and sports figures, often in the Art Deco style. Known for his deep understanding of movement, anatomy, and emotion, Kelety brought a sense of vitality and elegance to his works. His sculptures are prized for their blend of realism and stylization, embodying the Art Deco era’s fascination with energy, power, and grace. The Release reflects Kelety’s masterful ability to depict motion and tension, making it a remarkable piece that resonates with art collectors and enthusiasts of classic 20th-century sculpture.

Art Deco Influence – Elegance and Dynamism in Sculpture

The Art Deco period, flourishing in the 1920s and 1930s, was characterized by its love for bold lines, geometric shapes, and a sense of movement that reflected the optimism and modernity of the era. Art Deco was a celebration of innovation and progress, with artists drawing inspiration from industrial advancements, speed, and power. The Release captures these themes beautifully, showcasing the elegance and force that defined Art Deco aesthetics.

Kelety’s work echoes the Art Deco philosophy by presenting the hunter and dogs in a state of heightened motion, with streamlined forms and graceful lines that emphasize their strength and agility. The composition brings the viewer into the moment before the action, filled with anticipation and restrained energy, a perfect representation of the era's dynamism.

Design and Detail – Capturing the Power and Restraint

The Release is a masterclass in composition and detail. The hunter is depicted kneeling, body stretched forward with muscles visibly taut as he holds the leashes of his powerful hounds. His expression is one of intense focus, his grip firm as he controls the spirited animals. Each hound is sculpted with an extraordinary level of detail—from the muscular structure and coat to the alert expressions, capturing their eagerness and readiness to leap forward.

The dogs’ bodies lean forward, pulling against their leads, embodying the raw strength and drive that Kelety so skillfully conveys. The tension between the hunter and his dogs is almost palpable, making this piece a powerful portrayal of control, loyalty, and the thrill of the chase. Mounted on a solid marble base, the sculpture gains an additional layer of sophistication, grounding the energetic scene with a touch of luxury that complements its Art Deco style.

Symbolism in "The Release" – Mastery, Freedom, and Human-Animal Connection

The Release goes beyond mere depiction to explore symbolic themes of control, partnership, and freedom. The hunter represents mastery over nature, a human striving to harness the primal energy of the animals by his side. The hounds, with their intense focus and instinctive drive, represent untamed spirit and freedom, embodying nature’s power in its purest form.

The sculpture's composition suggests a delicate balance between human strength and animal instinct, inviting viewers to reflect on the age-old relationship between humans and animals. In the instant before the dogs are unleashed, Kelety captures the intersection between restraint and release, control and liberation, and humanity’s enduring connection to the natural world. This interplay of themes makes The Release a timeless piece, resonating with anyone who appreciates the complexity of human-animal bonds.

Craftsmanship and the Lost-Wax Casting Process

This bronze sculpture was created using the lost-wax casting method, a traditional technique that allows for fine detail and lifelike texture. The process begins with a wax model of the sculpture, which is encased in a mold. When heated, the wax melts away, leaving a cavity that is filled with molten bronze. After the bronze cools, the mold is removed, and the piece is hand-finished to reveal the fine details.

Kelety’s skill in the lost-wax method is evident in the intricacies of the hunter’s and dogs’ forms, from the sinews in the hunter’s arm to the individual muscles in the hounds’ bodies. The warm patina on the bronze gives depth and character to the sculpture, while the marble base enhances its elegance, adding a timeless quality that makes it suitable for any sophisticated collection.

Conclusion – A Statement Piece for Art Deco Enthusiasts and Collectors

The Release by Alex Kelety is more than just a sculpture; it is a celebration of Art Deco elegance, dynamic composition, and the enduring themes of mastery and connection with nature. Perfect for collectors of Art Deco art, animal lovers, and anyone with a passion for powerful, expressive sculpture, this piece stands as a tribute to human strength, the beauty of animalistic power, and the artistry of a master sculptor.

Add "The Release" to Your Collection – A Masterpiece of Tension and Elegance

By bringing The Release into your home, you are not only acquiring a stunning work of art but also a piece of history, rich in both artistic heritage and symbolic depth. Let this statue capture the spirit of the chase and the elegance of Art Deco design, becoming a cherished centerpiece in your collection, a conversation starter, and a reminder of the beauty and energy that art can bring into our lives.

Width: 65 cm
Height : 25 cm
Depth: 16 cm
Weight: 14,8 kg
100% Bronze