Christophe FRATIN (1801–1864) "The Bear Fight" sculpture in bronze 19th century

Christophe FRATIN (1801–1864) "The Bear Fight" Bronze with a brown-gold patina. Dimensions 4 X 5 X 8 cm. Christophe FRATIN was born on 1 January 1801 in Metz. His father's profession as a taxidermist undoubtedly had a significant influence on the artist, as both had to strive, beyond anatomical reproduction, to give a "feeling, " a "soul" to the work created. In the 1830s-1840s, his success was such that he participated in the creation of an important princely table centrepiece for the Duke of Orléans, the eldest son of Louis Philippe, in collaboration with other artists such as Barye, Pradier, and Feuchère. He also created the lions that adorn a pediment of the Château de Dampierre for the Duke of Luynes. His career was international as he worked in England, and some of his works can be found in Russia, notably in the former Tsar's park in Saint Petersburg. One of his major works was the hunting pediment at the Louvre, created under Napoleon III. Along with Mène and Barye, Fratin undoubtedly belongs to the trio of the best sculptors of the 19th century, but with this "fantastic, " "comic, " or "original" quality that gives him a unique and prominent place among the animal sculptors of that era. Provenance: - Private collection from the south of France. A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer. Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments.