Original Bronze “Hoping for Peace” by Ralph Roybal 1984

This contemplative bronze by Ralph Roybal, titled Hoping for Peace, captures a solemn Native figure standing in a snow-covered landscape, holding a peace pipe. The scene conveys a powerful emotional stillness, enhanced by Roybal's masterful use of patina to simulate the soft texture and color of snow. This is a remarkable achievement given the rigidity of bronze.

The subtle rippling of the figure's robe and the angled shrubs at his feet suggest the presence of wind, creating a quiet sense of movement and atmosphere. These details reflect Roybal's exceptional ability to bring organic life and narrative into cast metal.

The piece is stamped with TCS for The Crucible Studio and marked 33/50, indicating it is the 33rd casting in a limited edition of 50. Created in 1984, this work showcases Roybal's sensitivity to subject and form, and his gift for expressing emotion and story through sculpture.

Ralph Roybal is a Rio Rancho-based artist known for his polychrome bronze sculptures of the American West, particularly 19th-century Native American figures such as Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse. He began sculpting in the early 1980s after working in Santa Fe's leading bronze foundries, including Santa Fe Bronze and Dell Weston Studio, where he apprenticed under Ernest Berke. By 1985, he had fully transitioned to a career in sculpture.

Roybal's hallmark is his richly layered patinas, a distinctive technique he embraced early in his career. At his studio, he completes every part of the process except casting, and he personally handles the final detailing and patina application. Each piece is signed, numbered, and copyrighted.

His award-winning sculptures have been widely exhibited throughout the Southwest and are held in prominent collections, including the Gilcrease Museum. In 2010, he was awarded first place at Santa Fe's Contemporary Spanish Market. Today, his work continues to be sought after by collectors around the world.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: This Original Bronze "Hoping for Peace" by Ralph Roybal 1984 is from the estate of an Adobe Gallery client.

Recommended Reading:  ARTISTS OF SANTA FE Their Works and Words. C. R. Wenzell Publications Santa Fe, 1969.

TAGS: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, N.M, Bronze Sculpture, Ralph Roybal