Peacock Statue - Gilded with Gold Leaf - Bronze Peacock

The Majestic Splendor of a Gilded Vision – Proud Peacock on Marble – Signed Milo

With this breathtaking "Proud Peacock on Marble," Miguel Fernando Lopez elevates the bird world to new heights of opulence. The lifelike silhouette of this majestic bird appears in solid bronze, each feather defined by delicate craftsmanship and then coated with layers of genuine gold leaf. Perched atop a hand-polished black marble base, the sculpture stands as a lasting testament to nature's extravagance, forever captured in metal and precious metals.

A Journey from the Heart of Lisbon

Born in 1955 in the winding alleys of Lisbon's Alfama district, Lopez developed an early fascination with the play of light on textured surfaces. His studies at the Escola Superior de Belas-Artes de Lisboa laid the foundation for a career that would combine classical technique with modern sophistication. Lopez carefully sculpted this piece from clay in his light-filled studio overlooking the Tagus River. After more than three months of meticulous work, he traveled across the city to a historic foundry, where molten bronze took shape.

Feathers in Fire and Wax

The lost-wax casting process that brought this bronze peacock statue to life is true alchemy. First, a wax duplicate, mirroring every carved detail, was encased in fireproof material. As the heat of the kiln displaced the wax, bronze replaced it, flowing into the carved cavities to capture every baroque curl of feathers. After cooling, master artisans sanded the surface to remove any casting seams before gilding began. Applied with gentle precision, the gold leaf shimmers like the morning sun on a tropical lagoon, lending the work an otherworldly luminosity.

A History of Peacock Symbolism

Across millennia and continents, the peacock has symbolized renewal, vigilance, and royal authority. Its "eyes" on its outstretched feathers speak of the all-seeing spirit, while its annual moult reflects the cycle of death and rebirth. In this peacock statue, these associations come alive: The serene posture suggests vigilance, the cascading train evokes transformation, and the gilded surface hints at hidden depths beyond mere surface beauty.

Dialogue of Marble and Gold

Black marble, chosen for its deep grooves and reflective polish, envelops the bronze form with architectural poise. The columnar block recalls ancient pedestals, anchoring the sculpture in classical tradition, while the gilded patina transforms it into modern luxury. Light gathers at the base before rising up the bird's curved tail, creating a choreography of shadow and radiance that changes hourly.

The Artist's Enduring Legacy

For over four decades, Miguel Fernando Lopez has been telling stories of fauna and form in bronze. His Portuguese workshops have revived classic methods—lost-wax casting, hand-chasing, and patination—while pursuing innovative approaches to surface treatment. Each piece bears his understated "Milo" signature—a symbol of authenticity and artistic pride. This masterpiece, cast and gilded in Lisbon, is among his most ambitious explorations of scale, texture, and the dialogue between organic life and artisanal elegance.

Enchants Any Garden or Gallery

Whether as a focal point in a formal conservatory or a focal point in a private collection, this garden statue peacock transcends any decor. With quiet dignity, it dominates its surroundings, inviting the viewer to circle around it and discover new facets—shimmering eye spots, tactile grooves, the interplay of heavy marble and lustrous gilding. Whether in a sun-drenched greenhouse or beneath vaulted museum ceilings, it is always a source of wonder.

An Invitation to Dream

In the presence of this peacock statue, one inevitably sinks into contemplation. Its golden plumage seems to whisper forgotten myths of paradisiacal gardens, while its unwavering gaze radiates both pride and serenity. This work unites the raw power of wild beauty with the refined mastery of human hands—a luminous homage to artistry, nature, and the enduring magic that lies in their union.