Lot 400: A FRENCH BRONZE MODEL OF A BULL

A FRENCH BRONZE MODEL OF A BULL
EARLY 20TH CENTURY, AFTER GUSTAVE HIERHOLTZ (1877-1948)
The naturalistic base with cast signature 'G Hierholtz', inscribed 'Susse fres fondeur Edts Paris' and with Susse Fres roundel
18¾ in. (47.6 cm.) high; 27 in. (69 cm.) long

ANIMAL INSPIRATION Animals have appeared in all forms of art throughout history, from ancient cave paintings and Egyptian iconography to paintings of family pets in more modern times. However, the trend for animals in art reached new heights in the 19th century with famous animalier sculptors such as Antoine-Louis Barye. The skilled and naturalistic treatment of the animals in the lots below elevates them as a subject matter to the level of other Academic genres. The bronzes below directly relate to this animalier tradition. The bison is a particularly rare subject. Although bronzes of bulls and horses are more common, they remain extremely desirable and popular with collectors today. The elephant table ornaments will prove an excellent talking point at any dinner table, whilst the realistic handling of the pair of pugs truly reflects their historical connection with the royals. For a more contemporary interior, the brightly coloured enamel of the napkin rings encapsulates the polychromatic nature of the butterfly wing and would complement any modern table setting.
Artist's Resale Right ("droit de Suite").If the Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006 apply to this lot, the buyer also agrees to pay us an amount equal to the resale royalty provided for in those Regulations, and we undertake to the buyer to pay such amount to the artist's collection agent.