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ID #SA1137085
FOR SALE
£3,995
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French Gilt Bronze Dentist Bear by Christophe Fratin
For sale by Vivers Mill Antiques
for sale €4,674     $5,074
£3,995

Vivers Mill Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2015
Browse dealers 36 items
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Id #SA1137085
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French Gilt Bronze Dentist Bear by Christophe Fratin

19th century
Description

Extremely rare French Gilt Bronze figure modelled as a standing Dentist bear treating his seated patient, by Christophe Fratin (1800 - 1864), signed FRATIN to the base, circa 1850.

Excellent condition throughout, minimum wear to gilding.

15cm(H) x 11.5cm)W) x 9.5cm(D) 1.85kgs

Physical Dimensions
Height
15cm (5.91")
Width
11.5cm (4.53")
Depth
9.5cm (3.74")
Declaration

Vivers Mill Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Bear Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1137085
Dealers Internal Reference
36/382
Description
Extremely rare French Gilt Bronze figure modelled as a standing Dentist bear treating his seated patient, by Christophe Fratin (1800 - 1864), signed FRATIN to the base, circa 1850.

Excellent condition throughout, minimum wear to gilding.

15cm(H) x 11.5cm)W) x 9.5cm(D) 1.85kgs

Height
15cm (5.91")
Width
11.5cm (4.53")
Depth
9.5cm (3.74")
Date of Manufacture

Vivers Mill Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Bear Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1137085
Dealers Internal Ref
36/382
Vivers Mill Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2015
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Vivers Mill Antiques Profile Page

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A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base.
1 / 8
Archive I A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base.

French Gilt Bronze Dentist Bear by Christophe Fratin

Archive II A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View II
Archive III A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View III
Archive IV A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View IV
Archive V A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View V
Archive VI A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View VI
Archive VII A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View VII
Archive VIII A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View

Vivers Mill Antiques
Telephone 07919 670643
Location
The Antiques Centre York
41 Stonegate
York
YO1 8AW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/vivers
Verified Since Oct 2015
Items For Sale 36
Items Sold 2
Vivers Mill Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antiques Centre York, 41 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/vivers
Verified
Oct 2015
For Sale
36
Sold
2
A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base.
French Gilt Bronze Dentist Bear by Christophe Fratin
Ref: SA1137085
A gilt bronze sculpture depicting an anthropomorphic bear examining another bear seated in a chair on an oval base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Figurines
  • Period19th century
  • Style19th Century French
  • MaterialGilt Bronze, Ormolu
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsAnthropomorphic bears, Gilded finish, Textured fur, Seated figure
  • SizeH 15 cm (6 in) x W 11.5 cm (5 in) x D 9.5 cm (4 in)

This nineteenth-century French sculpture depicts an anthropomorphic bear standing over another bear who sits in an armchair on an oval base. Modelled by Christophe Fratin, the piece is cast in gilt bronze with a bright gold finish and a highly textured fur surface. The seated bear looks up towards the standing figure, which holds a tool near the patient's open mouth. The miniature armchair has turned legs, carved backrest mouldings, and decorative arm panels, while the base has a naturalistic rocky texture and a signature stamp. The sculpture measures 15 cm high, 11.5 cm wide, and 9.5 cm deep. Ideal for placement in a gentleman's library or on a home office desk, this ormolu figurine brings an unusual historical charm to an interior display surface. The bronze shows minimal wear to the gilding across the textured fur and smooth bronze planes. Collectors of nineteenth-century animalier sculpture will find this anthropomorphic study a fitting addition to an established collection or tabletop arrangement.

FAQs

The Animalier movement originated in 19th-century France, characterized by artists creating realistic or whimsical depictions of animals in bronze, brass, and other metals.

Artisans cast the bronze sculpture using lost-wax or sand casting methods, followed by hand-chasing fine details and applying mercury gilding or gold plating to the surface.

Authentic period pieces often bear the sculptors signature cast into the base, feature crisp hand-chased fur details, and show natural wear or subtle oxidisation under the gilded layer.

Place the sculpture on a desk, bookshelf, or side table where ambient light highlights the gilded finish and metallic textures.

Dust the sculpture regularly with a dry, soft brush, and avoid water, liquid polishes, or abrasive cleaning compounds that could strip the gilded finish.
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