Squirrel Statue - Squirrel with Nut - signed Milo

Modern Art Animal Bronze - Squirrel with Nut - Signed Milo  

The “Modern Art Animal Bronze – Squirrel with Nut” emerges from Miguel Fernando Lopez’s Lisbon studio as an enchanting reinterpretation of woodland life. Here a poised creature clutches its prize—an oversized nut—while its form dissolves into sinuous, almost surreal contours. The dynamic tension between realism and abstraction speaks to a masterful blend of observation and imagination. Executed and signed “Milo” in the heart of Portugal’s capital, this sculpture invites contemplation of the familiar made extraordinary.

An Artist Forged by Cultural Currents

Born in 1955 in Lisbon, Miguel Fernando Lopez absorbed the city’s classical legacies and avant-garde currents alike. Formal training at the Escola de Belas Artes provided a foundation in anatomy and composition, while his travels across European ateliers sharpened his flair for experimentation. Conceived in his historic Alfama atelier, the “Squirrel with Nut” was cast in a renowned local foundry that specializes in lost-wax bronze, ensuring each nuance of Milo’s original model was faithfully preserved.

Fluid Forms Capturing Vitality

Rather than rigidly delineating every strand of fur, Lopez opts for elegantly simplified volumes that convey motion and alertness. The squirrel’s body arches in a poised curve, its hindquarters surging with latent energy, while the nut becomes an organic counterpoint—a smooth, tactile core that anchors the composition. This balance of tension and repose encapsulates the creature’s instinctive grace, allowing viewers to sense the moment just before a nimble leap or cautious retreat.

Mastery of Patina and Surface

A subtle, multi-stage patination process lends the bronze a warm spectrum of tones—from soft greys to honeyed highlights—mimicking the tonal shifts of a squirrel’s coat. Light dances across the sculpture’s planes, accentuating the interplay of shadows within its hollowed sections and the gentle gleam on its curving edges. The result is a tactile richness that encourages close inspection of every surface undulation, drawing one deeper into the sculptural narrative.

Squirrels: Symbols of Preparation and Play

Throughout folklore, the squirrel represents a delicate balance between foresight and spontaneity—gathering provisions for the unknown yet indulging in spirited leaps among the branches. Their cheerful antics and bushy tails have long charmed woodland wanderers, while their resourcefulness
reminds us to prepare without losing our sense of delight. In its grey squirrel statue guise, Milo’s work captures both facets: a creature ever ready, ever curious.

Elevating Any Landscape or Interior

Whether perched on a mantel, integrated into a curated collection, or nestled within a green sanctuary, the squirrel garden statue lends spaces a touch of narrative whimsy. Its compact footprint and robust bronze construction make it equally suited to indoor display or sheltered outdoor placement. As a focal point or charming accent, it beckons viewers to pause and rediscover the small wonders of the natural world.

A Thoughtful Celebration of the Everyday Wild

In transforming a common forest dweller into a squirrel statue that resonates with contemporary vitality, Miguel Fernando Lopez offers more than décor—he provides a lens through which to marvel at life’s subtleties. The “Modern Art Animal Bronze – Squirrel with Nut” stands as a poetic dialogue between artist and animal, bronze and idea, inviting us to cherish the courage it takes to hold fast to our treasures while remaining poised for the next adventure.

Height: 23 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Weight: 1,6 kg
100% Bronze