United Kingdom Animal Sculptures

This highly decorative life-size ceramic flamingo was crafted in Italy during the 1950s. The flamingo is finished with a high-gloss glaze, giving its surface a lifelike sheen. The te...

Wonderful 19th Century animalier bronze group of a standing ewe with her feeding lamb beneath her, the bronze with excellent rich brown patina and very fine hand chased surface detai...

A delightful quality Art Deco silver plated figure of a seated monkey believed to date from the 1930/40’s. The unusual novelty figure is well modelled and portrayed seated leaning ba...

The dog is in gilt carved wood We believe to be an Italian greyhound sitting on its haunch. It has a gold buckled dog collar around the neck. The dog attached to cartouche shaped b...

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...

A stunning French Rambervilliers art pottery figure of a dog by renowned artist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Cytère and dating from the early 20th century. Alphonse Cytère was a renowned...

A Pair of Artistically created birds for table decor, small silver-plated peacocks - ideal for a coffee table or bookends. These figures are Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each ...

19th century wooden horse. Dry scraped to charming time worn patina.

Rare and Unique Model From our Black Forest collection, we are delighted to introduce this rare example Swiss Black Forest Bear Tobacco Jar. The Bear Tobacco Jar carved from Linden ...

"Taureau Debout" by Rosa Bonheur. An excellent late 19th Century French animalier bronze study of a standing bull with fine hand chased surface that accentuates the muscle definition of the subject, signed Rosa B. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Measures: Width: 32 cm Height: 18 cm Depth: 11cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1870 Materials: Bronze Book reference: Animals in Bronze by Christopher Payne Page no. 174 DESCRIPTION Bonheur, Rosa (1822-1899) The most popular artist of nineteenth-century France, Rosa Bonheur was also one of the first renowned painters of animals and the first woman awarded the Grand Cross by the French Legion of Honor. A professional artist with a successful career, Bonheur lived in two consecutive committed relationships with women. Born on March 16, 1822 in Bordeaux, Marie Rosalie Bonheur was the oldest of the four children of Raimond Oscar Bonheur (1796-1849) and Sophie Marquis. Bonheur's father was an art teacher who came from a poor family, while her mother, a musician, had descended from a middle-class family and had been her husband's art student. Bonheur's father, who taught drawing and landscape painting, was an ardent member of the utopian Saint Simeon society. The group held idealistic beliefs about the reform of work, property, marriage, and the role of women in society. Most importantly, for the artist's future, the Saint Simeons questioned traditional gender norms and firmly believed in the equality of women. While teaching artistic techniques to his oldest daughter, Raimond Bonheur also encouraged her independence and taught her to consider art as a career. In 1828 Raimond Bonheur joined the Saint Simeons at their retreat outside Paris. Sophie and the children joined him in Paris the following year. Four years later, however, Raimond abandoned his family to live in isolation with his fellow Saint Simeons. Sophie Bonheur died in 1833 at the age of thirty-six. Rosa was only eleven years old when her mother died, but she was aware of the heavy price her mother paid for married life with a man who was more dedicated to his own ideals than to meeting his family's needs. Rosa also saw that her mother's marriage led to poverty and her death from exhaustion. After her mother's death, Bonheur was taken in by the Micas family who resided nearby. Mme Micas and Bonheur's mother had been friends. When Mme Bonheur died, the Micas family paid Raimond Bonheur's debts and cared for Rosa. Their daughther, Nathalie, who would later become an amateur inventor and unschooled veterinarian, and Rosa became enamored with each other. When Rosa Bonheur began her career as a professional artist, she had already been trained by her father who had allowed her to study in all male classes. Rosa also learned by sketching masterworks at the Louvre from the age of fourteen, and later, by studying with Léon Cogniet. From the very beginning, Bonheur's favorite subject was animals. She learned their anatomy completely by dissecting them in local slaughterhouses. She also visited the horse market two times a week. Study of animals by direct observation led to the formation of the realist style in which Bonheur worked. It was for such work that Bonheur obtained written permission from the French government to wear men's slacks. Her working attire also consisted of a loose smock and heavy boots that protected her feet from the dangerous environment in which she painted. The style of dress that the artist adopted for work and home may well have been influenced by her father's attire, which was based on St. Simeonian clothing experiments. Bonheur also cropped her hair, perhaps to facilitate her work. She did, however, always wear dresses for social occasions because she knew that appropriate dress would further her career. Bonheur earned a successful living as a painter of animals. She exhibited at the annual Paris Salon regularly from the age of nineteen in 1841 through 1853, when she was thirty-one. She won the salon's gold medal at the age of twenty-six in 1848 and was commissioned by the French government to paint Plowing on the Nivernais in 1849. In the same year Bonheur and her sister Juliette became directors of l'École gratuite de dessin pour les jeunes filles, a post their father had once held. Bonheur completed her most renowned work, The Horse Fair, in 1855. The successful representation of percherons (a breed native to Normandy) was purchased by Ernest Gambart, a London art dealer whose gallery specialized in work by French artists. He exhibited The Horse Fair in London where Bonheur visited with Nathalie. Queen Victoria requested a private viewing of the painting at Windsor Castle. It would later be purchased in 1887 by Cornelius Vanderbilt and donated to the new Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Bonheur's trip to England allowed her to meet Charles Eastlake, then President of the Royal Academy, John Ruskin, the English writer and critic, and Edwin Landseer, the British animalier. She also toured the English and Scottish countrysides and executed some paintings based on her observations of new breeds of animals found there. Gambart made engravings of Bonheur's work, including The Horse Fair, and sold them in England, Europe, and the United States. Bonheur became one of the most renowned painters of the time. Little girls, such as Anna Klumpke in the United States, even had dolls in her likeness, much as American girls played with Shirley Temple dolls...

Pair of antique Japanese Meiji era bronze elephant and pagoda incense burners Japanese, Late 19th Century Sculpture: Height 151cm, width 122cm, depth 43cm Base: Height 56cm, width 82cm, depth 40cm Overall: Height 207cm, width 122cm, depth 43cm This outstanding pair of incense burners, also known as koro in Japanese, was crafted in the late 19th century during the Meiji era. This was a time when, for the first time in almost three centuries, Japan opened its borders to foreign trade, causing a wave of Japanese...

Very large ceramic sculpture of a ram by the French ceramicist Dominique Pouchain. Signed to base. This enormous sculpture makes a huge impact in a room and its neutral colour palet...

This is an antique decorative fox doorstop. An English, brass door keeper in country house taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Beauti...

A Charles Lemanceau Art Deco glazed ceramic peacock for St. Clement, circa 1930 Marks: Lemanceau, St. Clement, 18-5/8 inches high (47.3 cm).  

An attractive modern limited edition bronze study of a resting rabbit with excellent smooth tactile surface and good colour, signed, numbered and stamped Landowski Foundry ~ Cire Per...

Unbelievably delicate and superbly crafted, Italian bisque porcelain fawn figurine Miniature in size with huge appeal Highly likely to be from the 1980's Hand painted matt finish H...

Delightful and stylish Italian mid-century Rimini Blu art pottery sausage dog figure designed by Aldo Londi (Italian, 1911-2003) for Bitossi and dating fro...

You are viewing a gorgeous bronze statue of a peacock and hen on branch Stands in at over five feet - 165 CM - tall so good size Of course being bronze this can live outside with no ...

French glazed ceramic stylised bird vase by Dominique Pouchain (circa 1980s). Quirky and original, these ceramic birds are by the son of Jacques Pouchain, well-known French ceramicis...

This large scale Austrian bronze depicts three blue budgerigars perched together on a leafy branch. The modelling and condition of this bronze is superb. The painted feather detail i...

A matching pair of treacle-glazed porcelain horse figurines. Crafted to a 'Tang Dynasty' style in 1970s China. Overall, both are in good condition for their age and use. One horse ...

A large early 18th century carved gilt wood eagle, mounted on a square red velvet covered plinth. Originally used as a lectern adornment, this archite...

A magnificent pair of Antique Continental Silver Pheasants of notably large size. The pair of Silver Pheasants comprises of a Cock Pheasant and Hen Pheasant...

“Indien à cheval” (“Indian on horseback) From our Sculpture collection, we are thrilled to introduce this good sized Native American on Horseback by Edouard Drouot. The Bronze beautifully cast with a rectangular plinth base elevating the bronze from the surface with a Native American in full dress peering upon horseback bearing a weapon. The rider seated upon an animal skin saddle and the horse in naive reins as it walks across the rocky base up to a buffalo skull. The Bronze expertly sculpted by the renowned French Sculptor Edouard Drouot finished with hand chiselling and polychrome patination cast by the famous foundry Etling Paris. The Native American on Horseback by Edouard Drouot dates to the early 20th century and the start of the Art Deco period in Europe circa 1920. Edouard Drouot (1859-1945) was a renowned French sculptor who trained under Mathurin Moreau at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Drouot began exhibiting from 1889 at the Paris Salon and his work was part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Edmond Laurent Etling (1878-1940) was a French art dealer, gallery owner, and designer known for producing high-quality decorative items in the Art Deco style. He specialised in manufacturing exquisite pieces made from bronze, ceramics, and art glass. Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper with approximately 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (including aluminium, manganese, nickel, or zinc) and sometimes non-metals, such as phosphorus, or metalloids such as arsenic or silicon depending on the age of the bronze and its origin. The additions of other metals produce a range of alloys that are usually harder than copper alone and carry useful properties such as strength. The earliest known use of bronze dates to the 5th millennium BCE from Iranian plateau, the bronze mix consists of arsenical copper and copper-arsenide. The earliest tin-copper-alloy recovered is dated to circa 4650 BCE and was found in Plocnik, Serbia. It is believed to have been smelted from a natural tin-copper ore. Animalia sculptures...

A Large and Impressive Bronze Sculpture of a Eagle by Claude Mirval This superb and large scale sculpture cleverly depicts an eagle with wide outspread wings having just landed on ...

An unusual scrolling glass sculpture of an octopus, with animated tentacles, the glass with agate colouring. Made by a talented English glassblower, trained in Murano and now working...

A captivating amber glass sculpture of a standing tang horse with excellent contrasting clear and frosted coloured glass and fine detail, signed Lalique France with original sticker ...

This is an antique decorative Scottish Terrier. A British, spelter ornamental Scottie dog, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Exudes character and appealing weathering ...

A scarce Bohemian Curt Schlevogt art deco Ingrid tinted glass zebra designed by renowned ceramicist and graphic artist Vally Wieselthier (Austr...

Hand Carved Beautiful Peacock Statues are exquisite works of art that capture the grace and splendor of the peacock, one of nature’s most elegant creatures. These statues, meticulous...

20th century decorative leather model of a crocodile circa 1990. Approximately half scale novelty item, depicting a crocodile with it's head raised in an aggressive stance.  Clad in...

A charming pair of decorative silver plate geese or mallard ducks, made in Spain in the twentieth century. The geese are very finely modelled with excellent details to the faces, f...

A finely patinated French antique bronze by Ferdinand Barbedienne portraying a a young boy caressing a large goose. The figure is mounted on an a...

Large quartz crystal, pyrite and vermeil model of an eagle attributed to Asprey Swiss, c. 1975 Height 62cm, width 81cm, depth 48cm Attributed to the celebrated and well-known Asprey...

A truly outstanding and rare find, this is an outstanding Victorian figural inkwell made from a winning combination of brass and silver plate and retaining his wonderful two original...

Early 20th century liberty & co deer figure This early 20th Century leather deer was probably bought from Liberty of London in the 1920s. It’s quite a ...

This superb pair of Grand Tour Italian gilt bronzes dates to the late 19th century. They are solid cast and very heavy for their size. They are decorative Grand Tour reproductions ta...

You are viewing a gorgeous pair of French bronze stags which are signed by Moigniez on the base (please see close up photo). The pair have been cast from the finest dark brown bronze...

This is a small vintage decorative lamb. An English, ceramic livestock figure by Beswick, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1990. Delightfully petite with an endearing demeanour Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order Pleasingly cast ceramic with a wool texture effect to the body Great character to the young lamb's face, with amber eyes...

From time to time we find some really big pieces and this is right up there! A giant - almost ten feet tall (292 CM) bronze stag And what a beauty she is standing on the rocky outcro...

This charming antique Black Forest inkstand dates from circa 1880. Beautifully modelled, hand carved from linden wood, with mother and baby bear on a naturalistically carved rocky outcrop. The inkwells are in the form of a pair of tree trunks with fluted glass wells with carved lids and a useful pen tray in front. Condition: In excellent condition. As an antique item, it shows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, the inkstand displays beautifully. Dimensions in cm: Height 15 cm x Width 23 cm x Depth 14 cm Dimensions in inches: Height 6 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 5 inches History of Black Forest Carving The idea behind the success of Brienz wood carving was quite simple. After a disastrous famine in 1816 in the Brienz area people were forced to find new areas of revenues. Driven by the need to create jobs in the Bernese Oberland, an economically underdeveloped region, the Swiss government encouraged the existing resource of timber industry to liaise with the traditional wooden craftsmanship. It took some time to improve from home requirements to sophisticated designed arts but the process was supported by the rising amount of tourists visiting the region. Christian Fischer and other founders Christian Fischer (1790-1848) started self-taught from simple turneries (carved bowls and other articles of daily use) to unsophisticated regional animals and people. Due to his success and the interest of the tourists, other carvers started also following his idea of carving the pristine naturalism. The Swiss government supported these start-ups with additional training of apprentices at special trade school. Brienz School of Wood Carving In 1884 the "School of Wood Carving, Brienz" was founded. It became an important educational institution to strengthen and develop the artistic backgrounds and exhibit an area of creativity. During the years of war in the 20th century, the demand for wooden sculptures came to rest and led to the re-orientation in areas such as toys and carvings for constructions. Beyond that the Brienz wood carving articles had to face an enormous competition from abroad. The School of Wood Carving had to get through difficult economic times but in the late 1970s wood carving enjoyed a renaissance. A lot of young people searched for elemental jobs and added a new value to school education. Today Brienz School of Wood Carving is combined with the education of turner, basket makers and coopers. The school still claims high-quality standards and follows old principles with regard to future perspectives. Wild animals At all times wild animals fascinate people. The highland around Brienz has large variety of different wild animals. Bears are among the most popular models for carvers. On the one hand bears are easy to cut and on the other hand they have a strong symbolized image. The enthusiasm for bears in art...

Mid-century French ceramic flower vase by Albert Thiry (circa 1970s). A charming piece with a chalk-white glaze which is complemented by a delicate, pale blue on the bird's feathers....

Wonderful hand made large stylised terracotta pig shaped piggy bank from the 1970s. Coin slot to the top, no access to the coins, this is a fill and br...

Murano Venetian Glass Designer Bull Sculpture Free international shipping

Pair of antique Victorian quality Staffordshire dogs having brown and white coloured coats with gold collars, chains and padlocks unusual front leg In perfect original condition ...

Hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1997 by Hamilton & Inches, and designed and modelled by Victor Hayton for the World Wildlife Fund, this incredible, Elizabeth II period, Limited Edition St...

Group of five bird sculptures in gold leaf glass by Barovier & Toso (1939) a famous Italian company that specialised in Venetian glass, the birds produced circa 1950. This was part o...

This is a wonderful antique French Empire Revival ormolu mounted and patinated Verde Antico marble inkstand, Circa 1870 in date. Of rectangular form with a pair of raised inkwells h...

A captivating early 20th Century cold painted Austrian bronze study of a walking lizard with excellent cold painted colour and very fine hand finished surface detail, signed with th...

Highly unusual Art Deco cold painted spelter crocodile mounted on a marble base French circa 1930's 12 inches high 22 inches long 7 inches deep

Large quartz crystal and vermeil bird model by Asprey Swiss, c. 1975 Height 40cm, width 33cm, depth 40cm This phenomenal piece of sculpture depicts an eagle in motion, taking off from a rocky crag made of stunning quartz crystal. The body of the bird is carved from quartz with pyrite inclusions. The contrast between the transparent host quartz and golden pyrite inclusions is considered one of the most attractive pairings in the gem kingdom...

A beautifully cast late Victorian inkwell dating to circa 1880 in the form of a handsome hunting dog. The hinged lid opens to reveal a removable ink chamber. Excellent conditio...

Vintage ceramic horse by Bruno Gambone, (circa 1970s). A charming, sizeable ceramic parade horse with groomed mane and tail in Gambone's signature chalk-white glaze. Light brown figu...

Onyx Plinth From our Sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Horse. The Bronze mounted upon a squared green onyx base with a convex beading...

A particularly nice example of a solid teak carved Hippopotamus sculpture C.1960. In excellent vintage condition commensurate of age.

This is a large vintage St Bernard figure. A German, ceramic ornamental dog statue, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Utterly endearing ...

This is a vintage early example of the small monkey, designed by Kay Bojesen in 1951. Constructed from teak and limba wood, the joints are articulated allowing the monkey to be plac...

A stylish Art Deco wrought iron snake desk weight in the brutalist style by renowned ironworker and designer Edgar William Brandt (French, 1880 – 1960) and ...