Pierre Tourgueneff, Shepherd Dog

Pierre TOURGUENEFF (1853-1912), Shepherd Dog

France, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900 - 1910

Dimensions:
Bronze: H 19.5 x L 12 x W 39 cm
Socle: H 3 x L 15 x W 43 cm

Important animal sculpture in bronze with shaded brown patina and green-antique highlights, depicting a shepherd's dog (German Shepherd or Cub type) at rest, the body elongated and the gaze alert. The work is signed "P. Tourgueneff", and bears the foundry stamp of Susse frères éditeurs de Paris "Susse Frs Edts Paris" and the engraved words "cire perdue". The set rests on its original molded black marble counter-socle.

This early edition bronze captures the animal's noble, attentive attitude with remarkable naturalism. A great specialist in equestrian and canine statuary, Pierre Tourgueneff (grand-nephew of the famous Russian writer Ivan Tourgueniev) demonstrates here his mastery of anatomical modeling, particularly visible in the dense rendering of the fur on the neck and the finesse of the legs.

The collaboration with the house of Susse Frères, one of Paris's oldest and most prestigious art foundries, combined with the lost-wax technique, guarantees an exceptional level of craftsmanship. The details of the chasing (truffle, pricked ears, claws) and the depth of the original patina bear witness to the excellent craftsmanship of the Belle Époque. A superb collector's item, highly sought-after for the reputation of its founder and the modernity of its line.

Bibliography:

Pierre Kjellberg, Les Bronzes du XIXe siècle : Dictionnaire des sculpteurs, Éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, 2005.

Emmanuel Benezit, Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs, Gründ, Paris, 1999 (Vol. 13).

Elisabeth Cadet, Susse Frères: 150 ans de sculpture, Éditions Susse, Paris, 1992.

DIANE CHATELET - IMPOSSIBLE GALLERY
General antique dealer
Expert in Furniture and Works of Art with the Chambre Européenne des Experts-conseil en Oeuvres d'art (CECOA)

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