by Pamela Harr
| Carrousel is derived from the Spanish translation of the Italian word for “little war”. A competition showcasing horsemanship and athletic skill, the game known as carrousel began as a cavalry exercise performed by Turkish horsemen in the 1100s. In the 1400s the Italians introduced it to the French. The object of the game was to spear a ring suspended between two posts. Riders, often on elaborately adorned horses, galloped in a circular pattern as they attempted to hit the target. In the late 1600s a mechanical device, developed by nobility to practice for actual combat, quickly became popular with all classes of people. The contraption was driven by people or animals and later by steam power. Wooden horses, fanciful animals, and chariots hung from chains on arms radiating from a central pivoting pole. These were the forerunner of the carrousels we know today. In America, carrousels rotate clockwise so the right side of the horse, which faces out, is carved in greater detail. It is called the ‘romance’ side. In Europe, the carrousels turn counter clockwise, so the left side is more intricately carved. Each of these painted bronze sculptures is patterned after the style of a famous American carrousel carver from the early 1900s. The carrousel horses that inspired the sculptures are still delighting amusement park patrons today. Carvers of these beauties are, from left to right, Gustav Dentzel, Charles Carmel, and Marcus Illions. Stein & Goldstein’s armored prancing carrousel horse is shown below. I have had the extreme pleasure of riding Stein & Goldstein’s prancing carrousel horse in New York and Marcus Illions’ jumper in Spokane. I have also ridden several of the restored carrousel horses in Disney Land, who turn in a row six abreast. |
12″
Limited Edition of 100
