I was doing my usual stumbling around on the various International Auction sites several days ago when low and behold this little beauty presented itself! My first reaction was a big smile and then a big laugh! Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) definitely had a sense of humor and had captured the exact moment when everything in a boy's world finally becomes the "center of his universe." Any man or boy on Earth will tell you that there is a very special time in their lives when they discover their "special purpose," how it works, and once found it is.... "Over Niagara Falls in a barrel we go... again and again and again!" Enjoy!
Update : Well I just couldn't resist adding this lusty little guy to my collection. I made an offer and ended up buying this small bronze! He is headed from Germany into my collection!
