Magnificent French Antique (1865) Bronze of a Steeplechase Horse Jumping a Fence, Isidore Jules Bonheur

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Superb French antique (1865) bronze of a steeplechase racehorse jumping a fence entitled ‘Grand Steeple’ by Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901). Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth with dark brown patina. Signed ‘I. BONHEUR’ with a bronze plaque. Ca. 49cm high x 71cm long x 17cm deep (plinth 54cm x 16.5cm), weight 9.75kg.

Excellent condition and patina. A brilliant bronze of a racehorse in full flight.

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. In 1849, at the age of 22, he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and regularly throughout his life exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. He achieved the most success with his sculptures of horses, which are among his most renowned works and rank among the finest of the French animalier school.

Physical Dimensions

Height

49cm (19.29")

Width

71cm (27.95")

Depth

17cm (6.69")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1208507

Dealers Internal Reference

AD755A

Description

fig 1. Magnificent French Antique (1865) Bronze of a Steeplechase Horse Jumping a Fence, Isidore Jules Bonheur

Excellent condition and patina. A brilliant bronze of a racehorse in full flight.

“

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. In 1849, at the age of 22, he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and regularly throughout his life exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. He achieved the most success with his sculptures of horses, which are among his most renowned works and rank among the finest of the French animalier school.