The Hunter’s Prize: Mallard by Guegueniat

Gérard Guegeniat (1934–2019), Mallard Hunting Trophy in Carved and Polychrome Wood

A finely hand-carved and polychrome-painted wooden sculpture of a mallard drake presented as a hunting trophy, by the Breton artist Gérard Guegueniat (1934–2019). The bird is realistically depicted hanging by its feet from a carved wooden rod and straps, its naturalistic modeling and painted surface capturing the texture of feathers and the characteristic coloring of the mallard. The back reveals the artist’s signature Guegueniat incised into the wood. Guegueniat, celebrated for his rustic carvings inspired by Breton folk traditions and hunting culture, often produced highly detailed animal studies that merge vernacular craftsmanship with sculptural finesse. This striking piece exemplifies his talent for animating traditional hunting subjects with expressive detail and vivid polychromy.

Dimensions: Height 25 in. (63.5 cm), Width 5.5 in. (14 cm), Depth 4.75 in. (12 cm).