Elector Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria on Horseback 1707

This sculpture of Elector Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria on horseback was made in the early 18th century by Roger Schabol, using bronze. The bronze gives the sculpture a substantial weight and a deep, lustrous color, which is enhanced by the gilt base. The lost-wax casting process allowed Schabol to capture intricate details, from the flowing mane of the horse to the Elector's elaborate costume. The high level of detail suggests the artist's deep understanding of bronze casting and chasing techniques. These skills, honed through years of practice, were part of a broader tradition of European bronze sculpture, often commissioned by wealthy patrons to project power and status. Consider, too, the social context: bronze was a costly material, and the making of such a complex sculpture involved the labor of many hands. Schabol’s sculpture is an example of the intersection of material, skill, and social status.