Bronze Figure of a Magpie, Netherlands

A bird in bronze, perched at the top of a black block with its beak aimed squarely at the horizon.

This figure of a magpie is from the Netherlands and dates to the 20th century, in cast bronze and porcelain. Birds have been a favorite subject of animalier sculptors since the 19th century, valued for their clean silhouettes. This one is smooth and streamlined, with a pointed beak, a round eye and wings folded close against the body. A long, slender tail sweeps down past the base. The feet grip a small perch on a tapered black glazed block, glossy as a piano. The bronze has a warm gold tone with soft darker patches. It is 4 inches wide, 3.25 deep and 9 high.

A neat bird, and a very tidy tail.