"Heart of the West" Maquette-size Bronze Sculpture by James Muir Bronze Sculptor | Allegorical Sculpture & Monuments in Bronze
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sidebar"Allegorical Art" is a term James Muir uses to describe his work, which is filled with symbology to help create a heightened social, political and spiritual awareness. "The allegorical symbolism in my sculptures bridges the centuries of history to make contemporary statements about the human condition, in order to exemplify the highest qualities of man. My work speaks of Duty, Honor, Courage, Liberty and Justice, but above all, it speaks of Truth and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit".  We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Credit Cards
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"Heart of the West" Maquette-size Bronze Sculpture
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| "Heart of The West" MAQUETTE-SIZE BRONZE SCULPTURE edition of 50 20" high |
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| Click here to view the Monumental version of Heart of the West |
| This sculpture is of a Spanish Colonial horse which exemplifies living history at its best! It is a breed of horse that dates back to 1493, which arrived in the New World with the Conquistadors. Father Kino introduced the breed into every mission he established from Mexico across the southwest and throughout California. A rich and long history, with only the hardiest surviving over the years. They were thought to be extinct at different times. In 1885, American settlers introduced these horses into the West. By 1920 they were indeed faced with extinction. A small, documented herd remained tucked away and forgotten in southern Arizona at the Wilbur-Cruce Ranch. This ranch was purchased by the Nature Conservancy on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1989. In January 1990, a movement was spearheaded to protect this herd and increase its size. The history of the Wilbur-Cruce herd is one that cannot be duplicated. No other herd of Spanish-descended horses can be traced with the accuracy of the Cruce herd. These horses are the purest of the original breed and considered the strongest, sturdiest and most distance capable horse breeds. They have been referred to as “rock horses” by the Indians because of their ability in difficult terrains and it has been said that they have a keener intelligence and a “dog-like” loyalty to their masters.
This was the type of horse still being ridden in the early 1900’s by the people throughout the West. It is the horse chosen by Muir for this 1920’s era sculpture commissioned by the Sheriff’s office for the center of Phoenix. Muir has owned one of these magnificent horses named “Diamante’”. The saddle and equipment featured in the sculpture are also from this era and historically correct. There are small herds privately owned and available today. These individuals are keeping this breed alive and also enabling, through selective breeding, some of the original Spanish “Barb” characteristics to be re-established in the Barb breed, as well. |
 Heart of the West Monumental |
 Heart of the West Monumental |
Bronze Sculpture
In keeping with his deep spiritual convictions and social consciousness, Muir's sculptural subjects have expanded to reflect the critical nature of the times in which we live. Yet, whether historical or contemporary, "the golden thread that ties it all together is still my never-ending quest for the essence of life— for Truth in its purest form."
From the Studio
James Muir awarded
The prestigious Olaf Weighorst Award at the Mountain Oyster Show in Tucson, Arizona, for the maquette of the Lifesize Baca Memorial to be installed May 24, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Reserve, New Mexico
Visit the new James Muir Sculpture Gallery & Studio at Crimson Shadows Gallery
Located @ Hozho Plaza
431 Hwy 179
Sedona, Arizona 86336
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