Halberdier of the Royal Guard
This sculpture by José Crespo depicts a halberdier of the Royal Guard, a figure steeped in tradition and symbolism in military history. Crafted in bronze, the piece captures the halberdier in a formal and vigilant pose, holding his halberd with firmness and pride. The attention to detail is evident in the uniform, reflecting the splendor and formality of the Royal Guard.
The bronze features a patina that adds depth and enhances the textures, highlighting the folds of the uniform. The halberdier’s expression is serene and focused, showcasing his discipline and commitment to duty. The halberd, both a ceremonial and combat weapon, is depicted with precision, emphasizing historical authenticity and the artist’s dedication to detail.
The sculpture is mounted on a polished wooden base, adding a warm and elegant contrast to the bronze. This solid base not only provides stability but also frames the piece, allowing it to stand out in any setting.
«Continuing with the military theme, I wanted to create another figure of the Royal Guard, so I decided to sculpt this halberdier. I initially started it in plastiline, but since I hadn’t built a proper internal structure, it turned out to be a disaster, and I had to redo it in lost-wax casting.
Due to a new relocation, I had to finish it very quickly in December 2009. I would have liked to have had a greater number of reference photographs while working on it…»
José Crespo