Elephant on Ball by Jim Unsworth (born 1958), Bronze, sighed, edition 2 of 5, 102 cm high.

Elephant on Ball by Jim Unsworth (born 1958) shows a bronze elephant standing tall at 102 cm high. This sculpture, signed and cast as edition two of five, captures a moment of balance and strength. The elephant plants itself firmly on a smooth ball, a pose that feels improbable yet full of energy.

Unsworth gives the animal real presence. He sculpts the skin with deep creases and fine texture, so the hide feels heavy and alive. The trunk curls with rhythm, the ears stretch wide, and the legs anchor the weight with tension. A patterned rug rests across the elephant’s back, adding contrast and a touch of theatre. The rug’s detail softens the strength of the form, suggesting both playfulness and tradition.

The ball itself creates a perfect counterpoint. Its smooth surface highlights the elephant’s bulk and texture. The round base forces the viewer to imagine motion, as if the animal might sway or shift at any moment. This tension gives the sculpture its drama.

Unsworth blends realism with imagination. The elephant feels true to life, yet the pose recalls circus spectacle and symbolic weight. The work suggests balance, resilience, and the surprising grace of power. Cast in bronze, it carries permanence and authority, a timeless celebration of strength and artistry.