Bronze Animal Farming - Attelage De Bœufs Nivernais - Fondeur Colin & Cie - Salon 1887

Charles Valton - Attelage de bœufs nivernais, 1887 Salon

Bronze with nuanced patina

Nivernais ox team.

Work by animal sculptor Charles Valton, a pupil of the great master Antoine-Louis Barye.

This model, presented at the 1887 Salon, perfectly illustrates the artist's characteristic powerful realism and anatomical mastery.

The set rests on a griotte marble base.

The naturalistic terrace is particularly interesting: it is embellished with a milestone indicating Nevers at 21k5 and Clamecy at 50k3, clearly situating the scene in the Nivernais region.

This detail reinforces the work's geographical anchorage and can be interpreted as a nod to the rural world popularized by Rosa Bonheur, notably in her famous painting Ploughing in the Nivernais.

The details are particularly meticulous: taut musculature, natural attitudes and expressiveness of the animals, conveying all Valton's sensitivity to the rural and animal world.

Referenced in the Lamy dictionary.

Dimensions:

Total height: 20 cm
Total length: 35 cm

Condition : Very good overall condition, beautiful original patina.