Dan Dailey's "Circus Dogs" (1995) – A Blown Glass and Bronze Opus

Dan Dailey's "Circus Dogs" (1995) – A Blown Glass and Bronze Opus

Masterful Spectacle: Dan Dailey's "Circus Dogs" (1995) – A Blown Glass and Bronze Opus

Dan Dailey’s **"Circus Dogs" (1995)** is a highly significant and dazzling example of the artist's celebrated **"Circus" series**, capturing the whimsical and dynamic energy of the big top through a masterful combination of materials. This is not merely a sculpture; it is a meticulously engineered, multi-material spectacle that showcases Dailey's pioneering role in the Studio Glass movement and his sophisticated artistic vision.

Measuring a substantial 24ʺH × 21ʺW × 17ʺD, the work holds a commanding presence, affirming its status as a major piece within his oeuvre. The sculpture is a complex figurative tableau brought to life by the interplay of rich textures and reflective surfaces: **blown glass, solid bronze, and radiant gold-plated bronze**.

Design and Execution

The central focus of the piece is the **blown glass component**, which often forms the body or structure of Dailey’s “Circus Vases.” The glass, likely vibrant and internally luminous, represents the heart of the circus spectacle. This delicate yet substantial form is juxtaposed with the **architectural rigidity and detail of the bronze**. The bronze elements—which depict the "Circus Dogs" themselves, along with performers or structural elements—are meticulously detailed, providing a narrative counterpoint to the abstraction of the glass. The strategic use of **gold-plated bronze** introduces a luxurious, dazzling highlight, evoking the glamour and shimmering lights of the performance tent.

Provenance and Market Value

"Circus Dogs" is a highly desirable piece for collectors for several compelling reasons:

1. **Artist Pedigree:** **Dan Dailey** is internationally recognized as a pioneer who elevated glass art through complex technical mastery and a distinct narrative voice. 2. **Sought-After Series:** The **"Circus" series** is arguably Dailey's most celebrated thematic group. These pieces are consistently sought after at auction, as evidenced by comparable works like **"Fire Eaters"** and **"Dog Pageant, Circus Vase,"** which have realized or been estimated in the $15,000 to over $20,000$ range. 3. **Premium Materials and Complexity:** The inclusion of **blown glass, bronze, and gold plating** signifies a high-end, labor-intensive production, directly supporting the piece's top-tier market positioning. This combination of materials from the mid-1990s represents a highly productive and desirable period for the artist.

As a significant, large-scale, and multi-material work from a key series, this sculpture represents a brilliant intersection of modern glass artistry and traditional figurative bronze work. The final value is highly dependent upon the piece retaining its **perfect, original condition**, with no damage to the glass or metal components, which is crucial for such a complex object. "Circus Dogs" is an investment-grade sculpture that is a true three-dimensional portrait of joy and kinetic drama.

Dimensions 24ʺH × 21ʺW × 17ʺD .

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