Deco Interiors has dated this piece to the 1850s.
Inscribed 'FRATIN' in cast.
The son of a taxidermist, he began his studies of sculpture under Pioche. He was subsequently accepted as a student under Gericault, whose impasto technique was central to many of Fratin's animal sculptures.

Fratin first displayed the sculpture, Fermer, an English Thoroughbred at the Paris Salon in 1831, and regularly displayed through 1842 and from 1851 to 1862. Most of his early casts were edited at the workshop of Quesnels and later in life by the founder Daubre.

Fratin was successful during his career, widely accepted during his lifetime, receiving private commissions, awards of exhibitions including several for public places in Paris. In 1851, at the Great Exhibition in England, he was awarded a medal as the greatest animal sculptor of his time. His Two Eagles and Prey have been in Central Park in New York since 1863. His distinct style can be contrasted with Barye or Mene's anatomic detailing. As opposed to the classic animal sculptors, Fratin's work was often romantic - even humanized. In addition to sculpting animals in their natural habitats, he also is well known for sculptures of bears performing humorous tasks.
Original gold gilt finish. Mounted on oval marble plinth.
Height including base: 22cm/ 9"
Width: 36cm/ 14"
Depth: 14cm/ 6"
Weight: 6.5kg
Deco Interiors has dated this piece to the 1850s.
Deco interiors, windsor house, moreton in marsh
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