Cast Iron Hitching Post

V.L. Vance

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting depicting three ornamental finials in a monochromatic scheme. The finials each feature a sculpted animal figure atop a base. On the left, there is a spiral column topped with a horse head. The horse head design includes features like ears and mane. On the right, there is a stylized bulldog figure sitting on a column with a round base. Below it, an owl is perched on a column with large, defined eyes. The painting emphasizes the form and texture of these ornamental pieces, focusing on their artistic and architectural qualities. This painting falls in the style of traditional decorative studies often found in classical art and design catalogs.