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ID #SA1216540
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£895
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Magnificent French Antique Bronze of Two Hurdling Horses, After Isidore Jules Bonheur
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
for sale €1,047     $1,137
£895
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
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Magnificent French Antique Bronze of Two Hurdling Horses, After Isidore Jules Bonheur

1900 - 1920
Description

Superb French antique (early 20thC) bronze of a two hurdling horses jumping a fence entitled ‘The Steeplechase’ after Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901). Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth with dark brown patina. Signed ‘I. BONHEUR’ on the base. The original double steeplechaser bronze was described by Christopher Payne as "one of the finest groups in the animalier field" (Animals in Bronze, p 345). The sculpture shows the vigorous movement and keenly observed detail characteristic of the artist at his best. Ca. 25cm high x 30cm wide x 16cm deep (plinth 27.5cm wide x 15cm deep), weight 5.85kg.

Excellent condition and patina. Some small spots and scuffs due to age but no damage.

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
25cm (9.84")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Antique Bronze Horse Sculpture to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1216540
Dealers Internal Reference
AD865
Description
Superb French antique (early 20thC) bronze of a two hurdling horses jumping a fence entitled ‘The Steeplechase’ after Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901). Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth with dark brown patina. Signed ‘I. BONHEUR’ on the base.
“
The original double steeplechaser bronze was described by Christopher Payne as "one of the finest groups in the animalier field" (Animals in Bronze, p 345).
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

The sculpture shows the vigorous movement and keenly observed detail characteristic of the artist at his best. Ca. 25cm high x 30cm wide x 16cm deep (plinth 27.5cm wide x 15cm deep), weight 5.85kg.

fig 1. A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base.
fig 1. Magnificent French Antique Bronze of Two Hurdling Horses, After Isidore Jules Bonheur

Excellent condition and patina. Some small spots and scuffs due to age but no damage.

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.

Height
25cm (9.84")
Width
30cm (11.81")
Depth
16cm (6.30")
Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Antique Bronze Horse Sculpture to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1216540
Dealers Internal Ref
AD865
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base.
1 / 15
Archive I A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base.

Magnificent French Antique Bronze of Two Hurdling Horses, After Isidore Jules Bonheur

Archive II A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View II
Archive III A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View III
Archive IV A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View IV
Archive V A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View V
Archive VI A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View VI
Archive VII A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View VII
Archive VIII A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View VIII
Archive IX A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View IX
Archive X A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View X
Archive XI A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View XI
Archive XII A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View XII
Archive XIII A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View XIV
Archive XV A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base. View XV
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Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 48
Items Sold 758
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
48
Sold
758
A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base.
Magnificent French Antique Bronze of Two Hurdling Horses, After Isidore Jules Bonheur
Ref: SA1216540
A dark brown bronze sculpture depicting two horses with jockeys jumping over a hurdle on a textured rectangular base.
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FAQs

The Animalier movement emerged in 19th-century France, focusing on realistic, naturalistic depictions of animals in bronze. Artists aimed to capture exact anatomy, texture, and movement, elevating animal subjects to fine art.

Most French bronzes of this era were produced using either the lost-wax (cire perdue) or sand-casting method. After casting, metal artisans hand-chased the surface to refine details before applying a chemical patina.

Authentic pieces generally feature crisp hand-chased detailing, period-appropriate foundry stamps or artist signatures cast directly into the base, and age-consistent wear to the chemical patina.

Place the sculpture on a dark wood mantelpiece, a leather-bound desk, or a structured sideboard. It pairs well with traditional timber furnishings, warm lighting, and tailored textiles.

Dust the surface regularly using a soft, dry natural-bristle brush. To preserve the finish, apply a thin coat of clear microcrystalline wax annually and buff gently with a microfibre cloth.
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