Skip to main content

Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

French, 1822-1899

Rosa Bonheur was among the most accomplished female painters of the 19th century, a time when women were typically not encouraged to pursue fine arts as a profession. Bonheur never married and lived openly as a lesbian. She is remembered for her realist animal paintings and highly detailed bronze animal sculptures.

Bonheur was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1822. Her mother died when she was just 11. Her father, a painter, believed in female education and supported her artistic pursuits. He oversaw Bonheur’s painting education after her unsuccessful apprenticeship as a seamstress.

Bonheur rose to prominence relatively early in her career. In 1848, the French government commissioned a piece for an exhibition at the Paris Salon. The resulting painting, Ploughing in the Nivernais, is today in the collections of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Around this time, she began a relationship with fellow artist Nathalie Micas. The pair remained together for the rest of Micas’s life.

Bonheur’s most famous painting, The Horse Fair, was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1853 and completed in 1855. It is a depiction of the horse market, where Bonheur went twice a week for a year and a half to work on her sketches. She applied for a police permit to wear men’s clothing for comfort and to dissuade attention. The painting, which measures eight feet across, is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

In 1855, Bonheur’s art dealer introduced her work to the United Kingdom, where her art proved even more popular than in her home country. Her financial success allowed her to move to a large property near Fontainebleau, France, in 1859, where she lived for the rest of her life. It has since been renamed Château de Rosa Bonheur and includes a museum dedicated to her work.

Bonheur was awarded the decoration of the French Legion of Honour in 1865 and was promoted to Officer of the Order in 1894, becoming the first female artist to receive the honor. In 1893, she exhibited at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Bonheur died in 1899 at the age of 77. She was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery next to Nathalie Micas.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Rosa Bonheur’s sculptures.

to
3
3
1
3
3
2
1
3
3
Height
to
Width
to
3
3
3
2
1,341
716
510
483
Creator: Rosa Bonheur
Circa 1880 French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur
Circa 1880 French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur

Circa 1880 French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ROSA BONHEUR French, 1822-1899 "Boeuf Couché" (Resting Bull) Patinated bronze Signed "Rosa B" conceived 1846, a lifetime cast circa 1880 cold-stamped PEYROL to the reverse Item...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur ca. 1870-90
French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur ca. 1870-90

French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur ca. 1870-90

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ROSA BONHEUR French, 1822-1899 "Boeuf Couché" (Resting Bull) Patinated sand-cast bronze Signed "Rosa B" in base conceived 1846, cast circa 1870-90 Item # 408TGI08P The original...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Bronze animalier au chien 19eme
Bronze animalier au chien 19eme

Bronze animalier au chien 19eme

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in BAUD, FR

Bronze Animalier Signé Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) Le Chien De Chasse Braque à l'Arrêt très belle patine 23Kg 80cm de long sa base fait 50cm x 20.5cm

Category

Mid-19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Related Items
Bronze Resting Camel Sculpture on Marble Stand French School
Bronze Resting Camel Sculpture on Marble Stand French School

Bronze Resting Camel Sculpture on Marble Stand French School

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

French School of an Egyptian Middle Eastern Camel Sculpture on Marble Stand. Large and heavy art Deco Style Bronze Resting Camel on White Marble Stand Sculpture. Boasting a dark pati...

Category

Late 20th Century Egyptian Moorish Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

“Standing Setter” French Animaliers Bronze by Jules Moigniez, circa 1870
“Standing Setter” French Animaliers Bronze by Jules Moigniez, circa 1870

“Standing Setter” French Animaliers Bronze by Jules Moigniez, circa 1870

Located in London, GB

Very fine mid-19th century French Animalier bronze study of a standing Setter with excellent hand chased surface detail and rich brown patination. Raised on a stepped naturalistic base, signed J Moigniez. Additional information: Height: 19 cm Width: 34 cm Condition: excellent original condition Circa: 1870 Materials: bronze Book reference: Les Animaliers by Jane Horswell Page no. 237 About Jules Moigniez (French, 1835 ~ 1894) Moigniez was a French animalier sculptor of the 19th century. He worked primarily in bronze and frequently exhibited his sculptures at the Paris salon. He was best known for his bronzes depicting birds, although his skill and versatility enabled him to produce quality horse sculptures (primarily racehorses), dog sculptures and hunting scenes. His bird sculptures were among the finest ever created in his time. Moigniez was born at Senlis, Oise, France in 1835, the son of a metal gilder. Moigniez’s father bought a foundry to cast his sculptures, which was of great benefit to Moigniez as he didn’t have the added foundry costs that most of his contemporaries had to pay. Moigniez studied sculpture under the tutelage of Paul Comoléra (a student of François Rude) in Paris. It is quite likely that Moigniez’s attraction to bird sculpture was a direct result of his education under Comoléra, who was himself a bird specialist. Over the course of his 40-year sculpting career Moigniez exhibited thirty works at the Salon between 1855–92. His first submission in a major art exhibition was his plaster, Pointer Stopping at a Pheasant, at the Exposition Universelle of 1855.[1][2] Moigniez was known for the fine detail and chiseling of his sculptures. His bronzes—usually cast using the lost wax method—were always immaculately chased and patinated, and were especially popular in England and Scotland.[2] More than half of his output during his lifetime was sold in the United Kingdom. By the end of the 19th century, his sculpture had become popular in the United States as well. In contrast with other animaliers of the period such are P.J. Mêne and Antoine-Louis Barye, Moigniez’s bird sculptures often incorporated highly detailed bases complete with bushes, extensive foliage and undergrowth. His castings were generally of excellent quality with a variety of patinas, the gilded and silvered patinas being the most desirable and sought after by collectors. His bronzes could be reproached for an excess of detail, a result of overly-finicky, over-worked chiseling. Moigniez received redemption, however, by portraying in his sculpture a certain “elegance of attitudes”. His Chien braque...

Category

19th Century Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Auguste Clésinger (French, 1814–1883)  Roman Bull, 1858  Bronze sculpture
Auguste Clésinger (French, 1814–1883)  Roman Bull, 1858  Bronze sculpture

Auguste Clésinger (French, 1814–1883) Roman Bull, 1858 Bronze sculpture

By Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture – Roman Bull by Auguste Clésinger (1814–1883) Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry – Reduction by Achille Collas France, 1858 This exquisite 19th-...

Category

1850s French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Monique Gerber Bronze Fruit Sculptures France ca' 1970's
Monique Gerber Bronze Fruit Sculptures France ca' 1970's

Monique Gerber Bronze Fruit Sculptures France ca' 1970's

By Monique Gerber

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A group of three fruit sculptures by Monique Gerber, French sculptor, ca' 1970's. Done is solid patinated bronze. Each one signed with engraving.

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

"Florentine Singer" Bronze Sculpture by P. Dubois and F. Barbedienne, Circa 1880
"Florentine Singer" Bronze Sculpture by P. Dubois and F. Barbedienne, Circa 1880

"Florentine Singer" Bronze Sculpture by P. Dubois and F. Barbedienne, Circa 1880

By Paul Dubois, Ferdinand Barbedienne

Located in PARIS, FR

Signed P. Dubois 1865 and F. Barbedienne fondeur Stamped with réduction mécanique Collas A patinated bronze « Florentine Singer » sculpture, inspir...

Category

1880s French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Bronze Cherub Sculpture
Antique French Bronze Cherub Sculpture

Antique French Bronze Cherub Sculpture

$5,500

H 31 in W 25 in D 9 in

Antique French Bronze Cherub Sculpture

Located in Dallas, TX

This 18th century sculpture from France features a cherub holding a unique fish-like creature, all crafted from bronze. Reclaimed from France, this piece adds character to any outdoo...

Category

1850s Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Bronze sculpture depicting a pig or sow, signed I. Bonheur, France 1870.
Bronze sculpture depicting a pig or sow, signed I. Bonheur, France 1870.

Bronze sculpture depicting a pig or sow, signed I. Bonheur, France 1870.

By Isidore Jules Bonheur

Located in Milan, IT

Lost-wax bronze sculpture depicting a pig or sow lying in a meadow. The sculpture is mounted on an oval Lavagna slate base. Signed "I. Bonheur." France, late 19th century.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Slate, Bronze

Le Grand Jockey Bronze Sculpture by Isidore Jules Bonheur, Circa 1890
Le Grand Jockey Bronze Sculpture by Isidore Jules Bonheur, Circa 1890

Le Grand Jockey Bronze Sculpture by Isidore Jules Bonheur, Circa 1890

By Isidore Jules Bonheur

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

Isidore Jules Bonheur (French, 1827-1901) ‘Le Grand Jockey ‘ Signed 'I Bonheur' and with foundry stamp PEYROL EDITEUR'. Bronze, rich mid-brown pa...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large Bronze Sculpture of a Jockey on Thoroughbred by Isidore Jules Bonheur
Large Bronze Sculpture of a Jockey on Thoroughbred by Isidore Jules Bonheur

Large Bronze Sculpture of a Jockey on Thoroughbred by Isidore Jules Bonheur

By Isidore Jules Bonheur

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional casting and finely patinated bronze sculpture of jockey on thoroughbred racehorse by Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901), measuring 24 in tall, 26 in wide and 6 in deep....

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1960s Bronze Bull Sculpture by Venancio Blanco
1960s Bronze Bull Sculpture by Venancio Blanco

1960s Bronze Bull Sculpture by Venancio Blanco

$7,600

H 8.47 in W 10.24 in D 3.75 in

1960s Bronze Bull Sculpture by Venancio Blanco

By Venancio Blanco

Located in Marbella, ES

1960s bronze bull sculpture by Spanish Sculptor Venancio Blanco, who died in 2018 and a foundation that bears his name has been set up to promote his work.

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques
Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques

Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques

By Charles Valton

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques . Signed and stamped. Valton was known for his big cats but probably his mos...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Metal

Art Deco Bronze Fish Sculpture - French Animalier Art
Art Deco Bronze Fish Sculpture - French Animalier Art

Art Deco Bronze Fish Sculpture - French Animalier Art

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautifully sculpted French bronze fish from the Art Deco period, executed in the refined animalier tradition. This striking sculpture is characterized by its elegant, flowing line...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items
French Antique Bronze Sculpture of Sheep by Rosa Bonheur ca. 1860
French Antique Bronze Sculpture of Sheep by Rosa Bonheur ca. 1860

French Antique Bronze Sculpture of Sheep by Rosa Bonheur ca. 1860

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ROSA BONHEUR French, 1822-1899 "Mouton Broutant" or Grazing Ewe Dark-brown patina sand-cast bronze Signed in base "Rosa B." almost certainly cast by Peyrol (unmarked) circa 1860...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Sculpture Rosa Bonheur “Mouton Broutant” Sheep ca. 1860
French Bronze Sculpture Rosa Bonheur “Mouton Broutant” Sheep ca. 1860

French Bronze Sculpture Rosa Bonheur “Mouton Broutant” Sheep ca. 1860

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ROSA BONHEUR French, 1822-1899 "Mouton Broutant" or Grazing Ewe Dark-brown patina with autumnal highlights sand-cast bronze Signed in base "Rosa B." almost certainly cast by Pey...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Rosa Bonheur : "Bull and cow", end of XIXth c. brown patinated bronze pendants
Rosa Bonheur : "Bull and cow", end of XIXth c. brown patinated bronze pendants

Rosa Bonheur : "Bull and cow", end of XIXth c. brown patinated bronze pendants

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Rosa Bonheur ( 1822-1899, France) : "Bull and cow" End of XIXth century nuanced brown patinated bronze sculpture Signed : Rosa Bonheur on base by hand engraving Dimensions Bull W...

Category

1890s French Other Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol
French Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol

French Bronze Sculpture “Resting Bull” by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol

By Peyrol Foundry, Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ROSA BONHEUR French, 1822-1899 "Boeuf Couché" (Resting Bull) Patinated bronze Signed "Rosa B" conceived 1846, a lifetime cast circa 1860-1880 cold-stamped verso PEYROL Item # 4...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bronze Lying Cow Sculpture on Marble Base Signed R. Bonheur
19th Century French Bronze Lying Cow Sculpture on Marble Base Signed R. Bonheur

19th Century French Bronze Lying Cow Sculpture on Marble Base Signed R. Bonheur

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Dallas, TX

Place this antique bronze cow sculpture in an office or a man's desk desk. Crafted in France, circa 1880 and beautifully executed, the patinated "Vache Beuglante" (cow bellowing) is ...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rosa bonheur bronze sculpture
Rosa bonheur bronze sculpture

Rosa bonheur bronze sculpture

Sold

H 4.02 in W 9.02 in D 5.01 in

Rosa bonheur bronze sculpture

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Rosa bonheur bronze sculpture Bronze sculpture made by the great artist Rosa Bonheur Sculpture name: Brevis Couchee sheep Peyrol casting with ...

Category

1880s French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Rosa Bonheur - Terracotta, Stationary Hunting Dog
Rosa Bonheur - Terracotta, Stationary Hunting Dog

Rosa Bonheur - Terracotta, Stationary Hunting Dog

Sold

H 13.78 in W 31.5 in D 8.67 in

Rosa Bonheur - Terracotta, Stationary Hunting Dog

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Beaune, FR

Important terracotta representing a stationary hunting dog signed on the terrace "Rosa Bonheur". It is in perfect condition. Dimensions Total height 35cm Total length 80cm Height on...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Rare French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Grazing Ewe” by Rosa Bonheur
Rare French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Grazing Ewe” by Rosa Bonheur

Rare French Antique Bronze Sculpture “Grazing Ewe” by Rosa Bonheur

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

ROSA BONHEURFrench, 1822-1899"Mouton Broutant"Medium-brown patina on sand-cast bronze Signed in cast "Rosa B." almost certainly cast by Peyrol (unmarked) circa 1860Item # 307HRG26P...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

“Brebis Couchée” Antique French Bronze Sculpture by Rosa Bonheur, circa 1870s
“Brebis Couchée” Antique French Bronze Sculpture by Rosa Bonheur, circa 1870s

“Brebis Couchée” Antique French Bronze Sculpture by Rosa Bonheur, circa 1870s

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

Rare bronze sculpture of "Reclining Ewe" cast after model by Rosa Bonheur (French, 1822-1899) Sand-casting with reddish-brown oxide patina signed "Rosa B" foundry mark for Comptoir ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Rare “Boeuf Couché” French Antique Bronze Sculpture by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol
Rare “Boeuf Couché” French Antique Bronze Sculpture by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol

Rare “Boeuf Couché” French Antique Bronze Sculpture by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol

By Peyrol Foundry, Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

“BOEUF COUCHE” patinated bronze sculpture by Rosa Bonheur. Signed in naturalist base "Rosa B.”; sand-cast; stamped verso PEYROL Item # 007OC...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Sculpture of Resting Ram, ‘Bélier Couché’ by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol
French Bronze Sculpture of Resting Ram, ‘Bélier Couché’ by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol

French Bronze Sculpture of Resting Ram, ‘Bélier Couché’ by Rosa Bonheur & Peyrol

By Rosa Bonheur, Peyrol Foundry

Located in Shippensburg, PA

Rightly considered rare, this exquisite sculpture by Rosa Bonheur is very infrequently found outside of museum collections. We had the opportunity to carry this cast once before, an ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Antique Bronze Sculpture "Mouton Broutant" by Rosa Bonheur circa 1870
French Antique Bronze Sculpture "Mouton Broutant" by Rosa Bonheur circa 1870

French Antique Bronze Sculpture "Mouton Broutant" by Rosa Bonheur circa 1870

By Rosa Bonheur

Located in Shippensburg, PA

Though she only produced a limited variety of sculpture models in her lifetime, Rosa Bonheur’s sheep are some of the most cherished. Sensitive and exacting, the manner in which she c...

Category

19th Century French Romantic Antique Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Rosa Bonheur decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Rosa Bonheur decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Rosa Bonheur decorative objects, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Rosa Bonheur were created in the Art Nouveau style in france during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Christopher Fratin, Antoine-Louis Barye, and Charles Valton. Prices for Rosa Bonheur decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,600 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,477.
Questions About Rosa Bonheur Decorative Objects
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Rosa Bonheur painted animals because she had a deep love for them. The French artist also produced realistic sculptures depicting various animals. Animals were a part of her daily life, as she had many pets, including lions, sheep, horses and gazelles. You'll find a range of Rosa Bonheur art on 1stDibs.