Victorian French Bronze Hunting Hound Dogs C1860 Follower of Auguste Caïn
🦴 Victorian Bronze Hound Dogs c.1860 | Follower of Auguste Caïn
🎨 Subject & medium
Bring timeless charm and classic craftsmanship into your space with this exceptional Victorian animal bronze sculpture, dating to circa 1860. Cast in solid bronze, it depicts a noble male and female pair of hunting hound dogs, frozen in a moment of mutual focus and quiet strength.
Rich with lifelike detail and elegant form, this piece is a striking example of 19th-century French Animalier art, inspired by the work of Auguste Nicolas Caïn—one of the most celebrated animal sculptors of his time.
🧑🎨 Composition & Technique
From the natural posture to the fluid anatomy—one dog with a foreleg raised in alert grace—every element reflects skilled bronze casting and a deep understanding of animal form. The dogs are mounted on a stepped, naturalistic bronze plinth, enhancing the realism and stature of the sculpture.
Although unsigned, the style unmistakably follows the tradition of Caïn and his contemporaries.
📏 Dimensions
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Height: 22 cm
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Base Length: 51.5 cm
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Full Length (tail to base edge): 54.5 cm
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Width: 12 cm
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Weight: Under 4 kg
Perfectly sized for display on a mantle, console table, or within a curated interior collection.
📚 About Auguste Nicolas Caïn (1821–1894)
A key figure in the French Animalier school, Caïn trained under Rude, Guionnet, and his father-in-law, Pierre-Jules Mêne. He exhibited 38 pieces at the Paris Salon and is known for his lifelike portrayals of animals, both domestic and wild. His public commissions include:
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Chiens de meute at Château de Chantilly
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Le Lion de Nubie et sa proie in the Jardin du Luxembourg
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Tigress and Peacock in the Tuileries Gardens
His bronzes remain highly collectible, with works fetching up to $84,849 USD at auction.
🏛️ Provenance
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Sourced from a private farmer’s estate
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Acquired through a trusted Shire antiques dealer
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Currently part of the Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD collection
🔍 Condition
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Fine antique condition
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Rich, naturally aged bronze patina
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Light wear consistent with age and handling
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Structurally sound and visually striking
🌟 Why You'll Love It:
✅ Timeless subject – loyal hounds captured in elegant form
✅ 19th-century craftsmanship in solid bronze
✅ Inspired by a master of Animalier art, Auguste Caïn
✅ Decorative yet historic – ideal for collectors or stylists
✅ Strong provenance and original aged finish
✅ A rare and enduring piece of Victorian sculpture
🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.
🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
📩 Inquire now to secure this great piece
