Bronze Lion By Christophe Fratin - 19th Century

Christophe FRATIN (1801-1864) Walking lion Bronze proof with greenish-brown patina Signed 'Fratin' on the base Bears the initials 'RG', which could correspond to the founder Mid-19th century Weight 12.5 kg Christophe Fratin (1801–1864) was a renowned French animal sculptor, one of the pioneers of representing animals in bronze. Born in Metz, the son of a taxidermist, he first studied in Metz before attending classes with Théodore Géricault in Paris. • Debut in the Salons: He exhibited for the first time at the Paris Salon in 1831, then regularly until 1862. • Romantic success: Admired for his horses and wild animals, he is considered a rival of Antoine-Louis Barye, particularly for his dynamic and expressive compositions of a romantic and sometimes humorous nature (anthropomorphic animals such as musical bears). • Monumental works and public commissions: His large pieces in Germany (Potsdam) and Paris (Montrouge, Central Park) bear witness to his international recognition. One of his works, Two Eagles Guarding Their Prey, has been visible in Central Park since 1863. • Production in editions: From 1835, he produced numerous small bronzes using casting at Quesnel and Susse, making him a pioneer of small-scale artisanal sculpture. Notoriety and collection • His bronzes, appreciated for their realism and poetry, are today sought after on the market, often between €1,000 and €10,000, with some exceptional pieces exceeding €100,000. • Many of his works are exhibited at the Louvre, in the museums of Metz, Lyon, Strasbourg, Nîmes, as well as at the Peabody Institute (Baltimore) and the Eisler Archives (Vienna)