Ram (1973) by John Mulvey, Bronze, Marble, Edition 2 of 5, Signed, 33cm high, 36cm wide, 15cm deep, Animal, Bird, Figurative, Gold, Goat, Nature sculpture
A golden horned ram, proudly stood on top of a marble base. The smooth texture on the body contrasts with the roughness on the chest and legs.
Ram (1973) by John Mulvey is a striking bronze sculpture that immediately commands attention through its bold presence and refined craftsmanship. Measuring 33 centimetres high, 36 centimetres wide, and 15 centimetres deep, the piece stands firmly atop a polished marble base that enhances both its stability and visual impact. Cast in an edition of only five and signed by the artist, the work carries a sense of rarity and artistic intention. Its golden finish further elevates the sculpture, giving the ram an almost mythical aura.
At the centre of the composition, the ram lifts its head proudly, its curved horns sweeping backward in a powerful yet graceful arc. Rather than adopting a passive stance, the animal appears alert and resolute, as though surveying its surroundings from a place of quiet dominance. This confident posture echoes the themes of strength and resilience often found in Mulvey’s figurative animal works.
Moreover, the contrast in textures adds depth and complexity. The smooth, polished surface that covers most of the ram’s body highlights the sleek lines of its muscular form, while the deliberately roughened texture on the chest and legs introduces a rugged, naturalistic quality. This interplay between refinement and rawness draws the viewer’s eye across the sculpture, encouraging close examination of every contour.
The marble base complements the bronze beautifully, creating a harmonious dialogue between materials. Altogether, Mulvey’s Ram stands as a celebration of nature’s power, blending elegance, vitality, and symbolic strength into a single compelling form.
