Bronze Crocodile Fountain Head Water Feature In the manner of Antoine-Louis Barye, c.1920

French School, Early 20th Century

The Water-Spitting Crocodile

Antique Bronze Animalier Fountain Sculpture, Circa 1920

Highlights

• Striking bronze garden sculpture formed as a naturalistic crocodile.

• Conceived as a working fountain head with water emerging from the open jaws.

• Impressive 59 cm length with strong sculptural presence.

• Detailed scales, webbed feet, curved tail and animated expression.

• Attractive brown, green and verdigris surface tones.

• Stylistically related to the French animalier tradition of Antoine-Louis Barye.

• Uncommon alternative to conventional lion, dolphin and mask fountain spouts.

• Equally effective as a water feature or standalone sculpture.

• Private Welsh collection and auction-house provenance.

• Internal pipework remains present for specialist inspection and adaptation.

Introduction

Dramatic, unusual and filled with character, this circa 1920 bronze crocodile was created to bring movement and a touch of exotic theatre to an ornamental garden.

The animal lies low upon its splayed feet, its head raised and jaws opened to form a water outlet. A long tail curves away from the body, giving the sculpture an energetic silhouette despite its grounded pose.

Internal pipework allowed water to travel from the rear of the casting and emerge through the mouth. Positioned beside a pond or basin, the crocodile would appear to spit a stream of water into its surroundings.

Catalogue Details

Origin: Probably French

School: French School

Date: Circa 1920

Object: Crocodile fountain head and garden sculpture

Material: Cast bronze

Style: European animalier

Attribution: In the manner of Antoine-Louis Barye

Signature: Unsigned

Foundry Mark: None presently identified

Fountain Fittings: Internal metal pipework retained

Catalogue Note

The sculptor has concentrated upon the crocodile’s most distinctive physical features.

Individual scales and ridges articulate the length of the back and tail. The eyes are raised and alert, while the sharply defined jawline draws attention towards the open mouth and concealed water outlet.

Four planted feet support the elongated body. Their broad toes and webbed appearance give the figure stability and reinforce its aquatic character.

The tail provides the principal movement within the design. Curving away from the body, it breaks the otherwise straight profile and enables the sculpture to be viewed effectively from several angles.

Its hollow cast construction allowed practical fountain pipework to be incorporated without disrupting the external modelling. Although the internal pipe remains present, the system requires professional examination before being returned to use.

Surface And Patina

Years of outdoor exposure have created an attractive, varied patina.

Raised details retain warmer bronze tones, while greens, darker deposits and verdigris have developed within the scales, joints and recessed passages. Gentle rubbing across the snout, feet and tail records the sculpture’s long practical history.

This naturally developed surface gives the crocodile a depth and visual complexity that would be difficult to reproduce artificially. It also enables the sculpture to settle naturally into a historic garden, courtyard or conservatory.

Collectors who prefer a more uniform surface may wish to seek professional conservation advice. No aggressive polishing is recommended, as this would remove much of the object’s established character.

The Influence Of Antoine-Louis Barye

Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875) was a leading French animalier sculptor whose work transformed the status of animal subjects within European art.

He studied animals closely and became particularly admired for bronzes that combined anatomical observation with movement, tension and emotional drama.

Barye’s subjects included lions, tigers, elephants, serpents and crocodilians. Among his recognised compositions are Crocodile Devouring an Antelope, Python Crushing a Crocodile and several groups showing large cats confronting gavials or crocodiles.

The present fountain sculpture is not a cast of a known Barye model. Its carefully worked reptilian surface and animated naturalism nevertheless belong to the artistic tradition he established.

Garden And Interior Display

As a functioning water feature, the crocodile would make an arresting focal point beside a pond, stone basin or formal pool.

Its scale also allows it to be displayed independently on a terrace, within a garden room or as an unconventional interior sculpture.

The open jaws, sweeping tail and textured surface create visual interest from a distance, while the natural patina rewards closer inspection.

The sculpture combines historical garden character with an element of wit, making it particularly well suited to interiors and landscapes where a conventional fountain mask would feel too formal.

Provenance

Private collection, Vale of Glamorgan.

Subsequently offered through a notable auction house Roger Jones & Co in Wales.

Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions

Length: 59 cm

Width: 25 cm

Height: 18.5 cm

Unpacked weight: Approximately 3.5 kg

Condition Report

Good overall decorative condition with wear resulting from age, weather and historic outdoor use.

The surface displays brown patination, green oxidation, verdigris, rubbing and darker accretions. Minor knocks, marks, small weathering holes and localised losses are visible.

A later drilled hole is present at the rear. This appears to have been introduced for servicing, plumbing or securing the fountain during its working life.

The casting appears sound under ordinary visual inspection, with no major structural cracks identified.

Internal metal pipework remains in position but has not been connected to a water supply or pressure-tested. Cleaning, adaptation, sealing or replacement components may be required before operation.

Installation and testing should be undertaken by a suitably experienced professional. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Shipping

Professional insured delivery is available throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

The sculpture will be carefully protected and securely packaged for transit. Delivery will be tracked and insured wherever available.

Please contact us for further delivery information or an international quotation.

Attribution And Research Notice

The catalogue description, proposed French origin, circa 1920 date, material identification and relationship with the animalier tradition represent the professional, non-guaranteed opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. No signature, foundry mark or documentary evidence identifying the sculptor has presently been located. “In the manner of Antoine-Louis Barye” is a stylistic comparison reflecting Barye’s influence upon later European animal sculpture and his documented interest in crocodilian subjects. The wording does not claim a connection with Barye, his studio or any particular foundry.

The internal pipework indicates a fountain function, but the system has not been tested. Its condition, compatibility, pressure tolerance and watertightness are not guaranteed. Further specialist, metallurgical or documentary research may confirm, refine or revise the current attribution and dating.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®

Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.

Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.