Original Bronze Sculpture (1978)
by Andrés Peraza
Aerial Duel (1978)
Original Bronze Sculpture
Andrés Peraza
The work captures one of the defining moments of American football: two players competing for possession of the ball in midair. Combining movement, balance, and dramatic tension, the sculpture reflects Peraza’s lifelong interest in anatomy, motion, and the expressive possibilities of the human figure.
Historical Context
Aerial Duel was created in 1978, an important period in Andrés Peraza’s artistic career. During these years he was actively exhibiting his work, participating in international sculptural events, and developing many of the artistic themes that would define his mature career.
The subject of football was not accidental. As a young student, Andrés Peraza attended Gulf Coast Military Academy in Mississippi, where he spent formative years immersed in American culture and athletics. His exposure to football during this period remained a lasting memory, and Aerial Duel reflects both his appreciation for the sport and his fascination with movement, competition, and physical expression.
Provenance
Created by Andrés Peraza in 1978.
Acquired by Ivan Peraza circa 1981–1982.
Displayed in the executive offices of Phoenix Restaurant Group from approximately 1995 to 2000.
Following the acquisition of Phoenix Restaurant Group, the sculpture remained on display at DenAmerica in Madison, Tennessee, from approximately 2000 to 2005.
Following the company’s restructuring as Dynamic, the sculpture was displayed in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from approximately 2005 to 2013.
After the company ceased operations, the sculpture returned to the Peraza family collection.
In July 2026, the work was transferred to sculptor Miguel Peraza for conservation, documentation, and stewardship by the Andrés Peraza Estate.
The sculpture is currently located in Miguel Peraza’s studio in Mexico City.
Specifications
Artist
Andrés Peraza
Title
Aerial Duel
Date
1978
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
16 × 30 × 6 inches (excluding base)
Weight
Approximately 20 pounds
Significance
Aerial Duel occupies a distinctive place within Andrés Peraza’s body of work. While Peraza became known for monumental sculpture, wildlife studies, equestrian subjects, religious commissions, and the Cosmic Man series, this sculpture demonstrates his ability to capture athletic movement, dramatic tension, and human action.
The work combines technical precision with an appreciation for one of the defining moments in football: two athletes contesting possession of the ball in midair. The result is a sculpture that speaks both to the sport itself and to universal themes of competition, balance, determination, and achievement.
Conservation
In July 2026, Aerial Duel was transferred to sculptor Miguel Peraza for conservation, documentation, and stewardship by the Andrés Peraza Estate.
The work remains in good condition and continues to be documented as part of the preservation of the Andrés Peraza artistic legacy.
Authentication
The sculpture bears the signature of Andrés Peraza and forms part of the documented body of work represented by the Andrés Peraza Estate.
The work has been conserved, documented, and authenticated through the stewardship of the Andrés Peraza Estate.
Video Presentation
This video presentation provides a visual overview of Aerial Duel, highlighting the sculpture’s composition, movement, and sculptural details from multiple perspectives.
Running Time: 1 minute 51 seconds
Gallery
Aerial Duel, bronze, 1978
Front view
Aerial Duel, bronze, 1978
Right side view
Aerial Duel, bronze, 1978
Rear view
Additional Documentation
Additional information regarding Andrés Peraza, his artistic career, and the context of Aerial Duel may be found in the following resources:
Acquisition Inquiries
For acquisition inquiries, provenance documentation, additional images, or information regarding Aerial Duel, please contact the Andrés Peraza Estate.
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