A Recent Folk Art Find!

A sleigh with a driver being pulled by a team of horses is a common theme in sculptural folk art. However, few carvings reach the level of this quality. From the carved button back upholstery, to the neatly clad driver complete with a jaunty fedora, to the superb pair of black horses, this is wood carving of a very high calibre. Even the horses seem to have expreessions on their faces. One ready to start the journey with leg raised for the first step and the other still standing quietly.  The detail on the harness and tack shows that the maker knew his subject thoroughly.

By John Gagne of Quebec. c. 1960. Found recently at a flea market.