Deborah Butterfield
Derby Horse, 1985
Bronze with Patina
Deborah Butterfield has used the image of the horse for her entire professional career. the horse began as a self-portrait and feminist statement but has since evolved to convey gesture and emotion. Derby Horse was Butterfield’s first edition in bronze, though the piece is created to look like rusted, found steel. With the slight tilt of the head, the horse manifests the emotions of triumph, grace, and respect that is attributed to the race horse.