-Prancing Horse- still bank c. 1920s

The Arcade Manufacturing Company made this “Prancing Horse” still bank from cast iron. Imagine the foundry, the molten metal poured into molds, the work of many hands to make just one of these little guys. Its coat is a mix of bronze and gold, like tarnished treasure, or an old penny. I’m picturing the artist thinking about movement, how to capture this horse in mid-stride. Did they study real horses, or rely on memory and imagination? That lifted front leg says it all, doesn't it? Full of energy, ready to leap. The imperfections and wear only add to its story. It’s not just an object but an echo of a time when toys were simpler. It reminds me how everything, from the humblest object to the grandest painting, carries its own history. We’re all connected, sharing ideas across time, inspiring each other in unexpected ways.