Swiss 'Black Forest' carved figure of a cow

Swiss ‘Black Forest’, naturalistically carved linden wood figure of a cow displayed on a carved rustic plinth base. Attributed to Johann Huggler of Brienz.
Note: Tips of horns missing.
Swiss, circa 1850 - 1890

The small village of Brienz in the Swiss Alps was home to a few familes from this area of Switzland, known for their finely carved wood figures of farm and domestic animals,  such as the cow.  The Huggler family were one well known example who produced naturalistic figures with fine detail from one piece of week, often of lime or lindenn wood.

The Hugglers were the most celebrated carvers from the area, with five generations of carvers beginning with Kaspar Huggler (1806-1846) and later Johann (the ‘carving king’) as well as many other members of the family.