French Bronze Pheasant Preying on a Lizard, Alphonse-Alexandre Arson (1822-1880)

Bronze sculpture of a mother pheasant protecting her chicks from an approaching lizard. Inscribed Arson.

Modeled as a parrot with pink and yellow feathers mounted to the edge of a basin made from an abalone shell, raised on a circular gilt metal base.

Pheasant and Weasel From our Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this French Bronze Pheasant by Jules Moigniez. The French Bronze of good scale cast with a large male Pheasant clambering upon a rocky outcrop startled by a Weasel hiding within the foliage. The Pheasant naturalistically cast with individual feathers visible, sharp claws and spurs above the foot. The Weasel sits hidden in the foliage visible from viewing the French Bronze from the side as it shocks the Pheasant. The French Bronze signed to the front left on a rock face J. Moigniez (Jules Moigniez). The bronze sculpture dates to the late 19th century belle époque period Circa 1870. Jules Moigniez (1835-1894) was born at Senlis, Oise, just north of Paris, France on the 28 May 1835 the son of a metal gilder. Moigniez studied under Paul Comoléra (1813-1890) a specialist Animalia sculptor. It is clear that Moigniez’s career in Animalia was passed down from his tutors specialism in Animalia and in particular birds. Moigniez father bought a foundry specifically to cast his son’s sculptures. This gave Moigniez a huge advantage compared to other artist as it greatly reduced his costs during manufacturing and increased productivity keeping the process in-house. Moigniez throughout his career became known for this Animalia sculptures...

A French patinated bronze sculpture of a grouse with wings spread, carrying a sheaf of wheat in its beak, raised on oval base, after a model by Alfred Barye (1839-1882) Incised: BAR...