Ferrari Horse – From Sculptural Model to Silver-Plated Brass

Modelling, Lost-Wax Casting and Hand-Finished Metalwork

The Ferrari Horse sculpture was developed at Kostylo Atelier as an individual commissioned work, combining the movement of a rearing horse with a carefully constructed heraldic setting.

The composition brings together a silver-plated brass figure, a shield-shaped metal base and an individually selected piece of striped flint. The relationship between the horse, the geometry of the shield and the natural structure of the stone was considered from the earliest stages of the project.

Work began with drawings and discussions concerning the proportions, posture and movement of the figure. A sculptural model was then developed in modelling clay, allowing the form to be assessed in three dimensions.

The modelling stage established the arrangement of the limbs, the curvature of the neck and the balance of the rearing figure. Once the composition was approved, the model provided the basis for the subsequent casting process.

the approved final model, along with an example of the coat of arms-shaped base, will soon be molded in lost-wax silicone at the Kostylo atelier

The approved clay model was used to produce a silicone mould, preserving the individual characteristics of the sculpted surface and the proportions established during modelling.

A wax reproduction formed the basis of the lost-wax casting process. This method allowed the figure to be translated into brass while retaining the sculptural detail of the original model.

The horse was cast as a hollow metal form, reducing its weight without sacrificing the external modelling. After cooling and removal from the investment material, the casting was ready for manual refinement.

the approved sculpture of the Ferrari horse made from artist's clay is being prepared for silicone moulding, after which three-component wax will be poured into the created mould, done at the Kostylo atelier

the lost wax moulds filled with hot brass have long been filled, yet the metal is still hot, indicating the correct casting temperature, as done at the Kostylo atelier

The brass casting required successive stages of manual grinding, filing and surface refinement. Remnants of the casting process were removed, while the transitions between the legs, body, neck and head were individually corrected.

Hand chasing restored definition to the modelled surfaces and established the finer distinctions within the anatomy of the figure.

Sanding and polishing then prepared the metal for the subsequent surface treatments. Throughout this stage, the objective was to preserve the movement and character established in the original sculptural model.

the brass-cast Ferrari horse sculpture is then hand-ground and chased to accurately reproduce every detail with everything handcrafted at the Kostylo atelier

the brass-cast horse figure is then hand-ground and smoothed with sandpapers to perfect smoothness at the Kostylo atelier

Following mechanical refinement, the brass figure was copper-plated to provide an intermediate layer for further surface correction.

Fine sanding and polishing addressed remaining irregularities before the application of the final silver-plated finish. The reflective surface emphasises the modelling of the horse, responding differently to the curved body, defined musculature and finer anatomical details.

The completed silver-plated figure was then prepared for integration with its individually constructed base.

the Ferrari horse figure after hand grinding is then copper-plated to cover any micro-holes. This sculpture will then be silver-plated at the Kostylo atelier

the luxury sculpture of the Ferrari horse has already been silver-plated and is waiting for final assembly with the base in the shape of the emblem and with unique striped flint, all handcrafted at the Kostylo atelier

The base was developed as a separate architectural element of the sculpture. Its shield-shaped construction was assembled from formed brass components joined by silver soldering, followed by manual filing, grinding and surface refinement.

An individually selected piece of striped flint was incorporated into the composition. The natural banding of the stone introduces an irregular visual structure in contrast to the controlled geometry of the metal base and the movement of the horse.

A separate presentation case was also constructed for the commissioned work. Finished in Ferrari red and lined with white satin, the case was designed to accommodate the completed sculpture and its base. Individually crafted silver-plated hinges and clasps completed the enclosure.

the base in the shape of the Ferrari emblem, silver-brazed from shaped sheets is hand-grinded in the Kostylo workshop

in the meantime luxurious red box lined with white satin is being prepared for the luxury Ferrari horse sculpture along with custom-designed luxury silver-plated hinges and clasps for the box, all at the Kostylo atelier

The completed Ferrari Horse brings together the silver-plated sculptural figure, the shield-shaped base and the distinctive natural pattern of striped flint.

The rearing posture establishes the principal movement of the composition, while the structured base provides a visual counterpoint to the organic form of the horse.

Each component was developed in relation to the others, from the initial modelling and metal casting to the final surface treatment and presentation.

Ferrari Horse reflects the atelier’s approach to commissioned sculpture, where the modelling of an individual figure is considered together with its materials, supporting structure and final presentation.

The work combines traditional casting and goldsmithing techniques with a sculptural interpretation developed specifically for the commission.

Explore the completed Ferrari Horse sculpture in the Kostylo Atelier Portfolio.

Watch the completed Ferrari Horse sculpture in a short video on YouTube.