Albert Hager (1857-1940) - "charging Elephant"

“Charging Elephant” Belgian School Very beautiful bronze proof with black patina Sand cast without trace of foundry, probably by the National Bronze Foundry – Jacques Petermann in Saint Gilles (Belgium) Signed on the naturalist terrace “A. Hager” and dated 1927 Dimensions: Height: 36 cm Length: 67 cm Width: 24 cm Bibliography: Similar model represented in the work, “Sculpture in Belgium from 1830” by Engelen-Marx – Volume III page 1792. Biography: Albert HAGER ( 1857-1940) Albert Hager, of German origin (he was born in Frankfurt), became Belgian after settling with his sister in Uccle, near Brussels. He took lessons at the Academy of Saint-Gilles with the painter Alfred Cluisenaar, where he became a professor in 1893, then director in 1918. Hager was a thoroughbred animal artist. Only a few human figurines by him are known. He had a preference for tropical animals, which he probably observed at the Antwerp Zoo. He was especially interested in their movements and activities. His sculptures are characterized by dramatic realism. In addition to tropical animals and felines, Hager also sculpts horses and dogs. He did not date his images, which makes it difficult to analyze his stylistic evolution. He exhibited regularly at the Belgian Salons (Brussels Salon, Antwerp Spring Salon) and participated in international exhibitions of Belgian art (Berne 1926 and Copenhagen 1931). There have also been personal exhibitions in the main Brussels galleries (Galerie Le Salonnet). Albert Hager's work in terms of dramatic intensity, liveliness and technical quality allows him to compete with the best animal sculptors. Most of his works were cast by the Cie des bronzes (Petermann). Paris Manaus Gallery ​