French Animal Sculptures

Bronze sculpture with a brown patina shaded in green signed Pigalle on the base, representing a child surprised by a crayfish's pinching. Tears are running down the cheeks of the naked child, sitting on a large shell, as he has just been pinched by a crayfish. The sculpture rests on a green marble base. Jean-Baptiste Pigalle is a great French sculptor born in Paris in 1714. At a very young age, he studied sculpture and became aware that his art was the meaning of his life. He moved to Italy in 1734 to perfect his technique. Then, he joined the Beaux-Arts, thanks to his work "Mercury attaching his heel" (1740) which had an immediate success. Several artists have a copy, painters represent it on their canvases, and a biscuit reduction is made by the manufacture of Sevres in 1770. Very quickly the orders multiplied and Mme de Pompadour took him under her wing. Juggling between baroque and classical styles, he made portraits of Diderot and Voltaire and then realized the famous funeral monuments...

Early antique federal eagles [pair] beautiful glaze. ca 1900, came from an antique collectors personal collection, you can see a repair on one of the eag...

Vintage Porcelain Dolphins is an original decorative object realized by Limoges Porcelain manufacturer. A beautiful decor object perfect for your home! Realized by Limoges porcela...

Old unsigned animal bronze medal patina representing a horned cow.

A fine mid-19th century brown patinated cast bronze animalier figure of a work horse in harness. Very fine detail and a beautiful quality bronze. Signed in the bronze T. Gechter for ...

Fiberglass sculpture representing a bust of golden horse, animal sculpture, modern production of beautiful quality. Estimated production time: 1 to 2 weeks. H: 25cm, W: 10cm, D: 8cm

19th century group of ducks in patinated bronze medal of P. J Mène, 19th century. Signature on the terrace.

Terracotta Art Deco figurine of a fish signed R Rodes.

Bronze elephant mounted on grey marble base. Signed "Milo". Size including base 8.75" H x 14.5" L x 6.25" D. Size of elephant only 8" H x 13" L x 5.5" D.

Terracotta sculpture representing four owls aligned on a thick branch and each showing a different expression. The mastery of the artist's work is accomplished The stylized scope gi...

The Following Item that we are Offering is a RARE Group of Three Baccarat Pieces, consisting of Two Ashtrays and One Larger Leaf Bowl. Each Outstanding...

Pair of seagull statuette Material: Terracota Source: France - Art Deco Period: 1920-1929.  

Antique 19th Century French bronze of of a polo player signed J Cuvelier and cast and inscribed to base by H Lippens & CIE. Cuvelier began exhibiting at the Paris Salon in 1867, and ...

A striking and most charming true pair of French 18th century De La Courtille porcelain signed statues of hawk-headed parrots. Each wonderfully executed p...

19th century Mouflon at rest bronze with medal patina by Christophe Fratin (1801-1864) signed on the terrace. Dedication on the back of the Fleur Quesnel terrace.

Bronze resting deer by Robert Bousquet, 19th century.

Pair of 20th century white porcelain horses on clouds, above rocaille bases richly decorated with scrollwork and openwork foliage. Both figures are marked underneath with two crossed...

19th century greyhound and Pekingese patinated bronze salon dog medal by Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) signature on the terrace.

Early 20th century bronze animal riding horse by Gaston d'Ilers.

"Ocean creature II", sculpture by the plastic artiste Pauline Couble. Unique piece. Signed. In polyester resin and gelcoat. Circa 2005.    

"Ocean creature", sculpture by the plastic artiste Pauline Couble. Unique piece. Signed. In polyester resin and gelcoat, Circa 2005.

A Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Two Striding Lions, Signed By the Artist Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of this extraordinary antique bronze masterpiece, painstakingly hand-car...

Late 17th century French extremely fine carved wood polychromed and gold gilded pocket watch holder. It has a carved cup behind the front opening to hold th...

19th century two black rats play golf patinated bronze medal signed, by Alphonse Alexandre Arson.

Fiberglass and plaster head of bear, early 20th century Dimensions: H 16" W 12" D 13" CW4095.

Bibliography: For an illustration of this model, see: Hardy, Alain-Rene´. Primavera 1912-1972: Atelier d'Art du Printemps. Dijon: E´ditions Faton & Vingtie`me Plus, 2014. p. 372. ...

19th century cane with its 6 animal bronze ducklings by P.J Mêne. Brown patina. Number 33 on the terrace.

‘The Monkey Rider’ – Paul Joseph Raymond Gayrard (1807 - 1855). Signed to the base ‘Paul Gayrard’ and dated 1846. A rare patinated bronze group of a monkey in the guise of a Jockey riding a racehorse, startled by a barking dog at his feet. French, Dated 1846. The mid-nineteenth century saw a surge of interest in animalier bronzes with whimsical and anthropomorphic subjects becoming particularly fashionable. In a similar vain to Christophe Fratin’s humanised depiction's of Bears posed as lamp lighters, dentists and reading books, Gayrard created his famous Monkey bronzes. He was awarded a First Class Medal at the 1846 Salon for his humorous group ‘The Monkey Steeplechase’, which can be related to subject of the present sculpture, ‘Monkey Rider’. With the publication of Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species in 1859’ the popularity of anthropomorphically conceived subjects began to decline. As such these sculptures were only created during a very brief window of time and are consequently very rare. PAul Joseph Ryamond Gayrard Paul Joseph Raymond Gayrard (1807 – 1855) born in Clermont-Ferrand, France. He studied at an early age under his father the sculptor and engraver Raymond Gayrard, before becoming a student of François Rude and later David d'Angers. He first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1827 and continued to submit works throughout his lifetime winning a Second Class Medal in 1834 and a First Class Medal in 1846 and 1848. His last recorded exhibit was in 1855. He executed many busts of notables of the day which proved popular with the haute bourgeois, but it was his talent for animalier that confirmed his reputation as a sculptor of considerable talent. His known bronze animal models date from the years 1846 until 1848 with his powerful plaster of a 'Harness Horse...

A pair of large and finely patinated bronze models of a standing bull and a running cow after models by Isidor-Jules Bonheur, Cast on a Naturalistic Base. French, circa 1890. Signed 'I BONHEUR' and stamped 'PEYROL EDITEUR'. Bonheur was a regular exhibitor at the Paris Salon and his naturalistic depiction of farm animals, including cattle, was one of his most popular subjects. The bronze was cast by his brother-in-law, Hippolyte Peyrol, who ran one of the most successful art foundries in Paris at this time. Isidore-Jules Bonheur (1827-1901) was the son of the painter Raymond Bonheur and younger brother of Rosa Bonheur, the famous sculptor. He was born in Bordeaux and studied painting, at first with his father and then with the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, moving on to sculpture in 1848. He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1848 with a painting and plaster study of the same subject ‘African horseman attacked by a lioness’. From then onwards, Bonheur exhibited regularly at the Salon as well as other exhibitions, winning medals in 1865 and 1869 together with the prized Gold Medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1889. He was awarded the Legion d’Honneur in 1895. Most of Bonheur’s casts were by his uncle by marriage, Hippolyte Peyrol, whose tiny foundry mark is often very difficult to find. Bonheur’s studies range from farm animals, bears and tigers in a very naturalistic vein to equestrian groups. Although noted primarily for his small groups he did complete two large scale commissions, one to his sister Rosa, at Fontainbleau and the other, two stone lions at the steps of the Royal...

A Metal Art Form Rooster

Early 20th century animal bronze "speak to the porter" height. Original model by Charles Valton.

A stunning French 19th century patinated bronze and ormolu statue of a panther eating an alligator signed by Jules Moigniez. The statue is raised on an oblong base with a wonderfully executed ground like design. The wonderfully executed ormolu panther is clutching at the alligator while attacking it. The richly chased alligator has its tail wrapped around the panther's neck and displays exceptional attention to detail. Jules Moigniez was a renowned French sculptor. Born in 1835 in Senlis and died in Saint-Martin-du-Terte (Seine-et-Oise) in 1894. He was the student of Cornolera and started to exhibit his work in 1855. There is a famous sculpture of his called 'Chien D'arret avec faison' 'Dog with Pheasant...

Well made antique bronze cast of a fierce lion by Leon Bureau (1866-1906) Depicting a lioness killing a bird, beautiful dark greenish patina. Signed on base L. Bureau.

Superb horseman from the 18th century - France Very beautiful rare subject which probably represents a horseman during a hunt Very good quality of sculpture Superb original polych...

Penguin iluminated sculpture by Marcel André Bouraine (1886 -1948). Silverplated bronze and alabaster base with light. Bryan Catley (1978) "Art Deco ...

An exceptional and most charming French 19th century Louis XVI st. Rouge Griotte marble and ormolu small scale statue/paper weight, signed F. Barbedienne and G. Gardet named "Poussin...

This candle holder by renowned porcelain manufacturer Jacob Petit is extravagantly designed in the form of a majestic peacock. Petit owned one of the most important and well-known po...

1900 bronze heron on block of Malachite.

Rembrandt Bugatti's striking bronze depicts a pair of elegant white storks. The male stork, positioned on the left, gently rests its head upon its soft breast while tucking one of it...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10" high x 9" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...