Magnificent French Antique (19thc) Bronze of a Trotting Stallion, Isidore Jules Bonheur

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Superb French antique (19thC, 1870-79) bronze of a trotting stallion by Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901). Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth with dark brown patina. Signed ‘I. BONHEUR’. Length ca. 45cm, depth 14.5cm, height 32.5cm (plinth 35cm x 14.5cm), weight 6.65kg.

Excellent condition and patina. A brilliant exploration of a stallion in full trot.

Isidore Jules Bonheur is best known as one of the 19th century's most distinguished French animalier sculptors. Bonheur began his career as an artist working with his elder sister Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) – a celebrated painter of animals and also a sculptor – in the studio of their father, drawing instructor Raymond Bonheur. Initially working as a painter, Isidore Bonheur made his Salon debut in 1848.

He achieved this most success with his sculptures of horses, which are usually depicted as relaxed rather than spirited, and which are among his most renowned works. His works rank among the finest of the French Animalier school.

Physical Dimensions

Height

32.5cm (12.80")

Width

45cm (17.72")

Depth

14.5cm (5.71")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1118692

Dealers Internal Reference

AD641

Description

fig 1. Magnificent French Antique (19thC) Bronze of a Trotting Stallion, Isidore Jules Bonheur — fig 1. Magnificent French Antique (19thc) Bronze of a Trotting Stallion, Isidore Jules Bonheur

Excellent condition and patina. A brilliant exploration of a stallion in full trot.

“

Isidore Jules Bonheur is best known as one of the 19th century's most distinguished French animalier sculptors.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Bonheur began his career as an artist working with his elder sister Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) – a celebrated painter of animals and also a sculptor – in the studio of their father, drawing instructor Raymond Bonheur. Initially working as a painter, Isidore Bonheur made his Salon debut in 1848.

fig 2. Magnificent French Antique (19thC) Bronze of a Trotting Stallion, Isidore Jules Bonheur — fig 2. Magnificent French Antique (19thc) Bronze of a Trotting Stallion, Isidore Jules Bonheur

He achieved this most success with his sculptures of horses, which are usually depicted as relaxed rather than spirited, and which are among his most renowned works. His works rank among the finest of the French Animalier school.