Vanderveen: “Cheetahs Running” in Marbled Caramel
- The Aesthetics: The caramel tones provide a warmth that makes the bronze feel “alive.” The marbling ensures that no two pieces in the edition of 750 are identical; the way the chemicals react to the heat creates a unique “fingerprint” on your specific #210 casting.
- Visual Weight: In this finish, the sculpture feels less like a shadow in motion and more like a captured moment of high-speed African sun. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like walnut, oak, or travertine.
- Significance of #210/750: As an early-middle casting, the details of the muscles and the “delicate points” of contact remain sharp and crisp, preserving the artist’s original intent for a sense of “imminent action.”
2025 Market Valuation: Marbled Caramel Edition
The Marbled Caramel patina is often considered more “approachable” for home decor than the severe black, frequently leading to higher demand in residential art markets.
**’Cheetahs Running’** is a stunning and characteristic bronze sculpture by the internationally acclaimed artist **Loet Vanderveen (1921-2015)**. This work captures the incredible speed and fluid motion of the world’s fastest land animals, distilled through Vanderveen’s sophisticated lens of **modernist minimalism**.
The piece is a testament to the artist’s enduring commitment to translating the raw power and elegance of wildlife into pure sculptural form. Instead of relying on fine detail, Vanderveen uses **smooth, clean, and sweeping lines** to define the cheetahs’ bodies, emphasizing their **aerodynamic shape** and the breathtaking velocity suggested by their long, outstretched forms.
Design and Dimensions
The sculpture features two cheetahs, often arranged in parallel or a slight arc, which enhances the feeling of a synchronized, high-speed chase. The lean, stylized forms are balanced on delicate points, creating a sense of **imminent action and weightlessness**.
* **Materials:** Bronze, chosen for its strength and ability to hold a flawless, reflective patina. * **Dimensions:** 27.5 X 7 X 6.75 inches. While not monumental, the length of the sculpture effectively conveys the animal’s powerful stride, making it a dynamic visual focal point. * **Patina:** Vanderveen’s choice of patina, often a deep, rich brown or a dramatic, glossy black, is crucial. This finish highlights the undulating curves and smooth surfaces, ensuring the piece catches and reflects light in a way that further emphasizes movement.
Provenance and Value
‘Cheetahs Running’ is an **editioned piece**, signed “Loet © 210/750,” indicating it is the 210th casting in a limited worldwide edition of 750 works. Limited editions by recognized artists offer a clear benchmark for value and authenticity.
Loet Vanderveen’s sculptures are highly collectible for their timeless aesthetic and quality craftsmanship. Priced at **$\$6,534.00$ retail**, this bronze is a quintessential example of his figurative style, offering collectors a piece that is both a celebration of nature and an elegant statement of modern design. The combination of its desirable subject, compact yet impactful dimensions, and documented edition status ensures its lasting appeal.
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