Gilded Bronze Portrait Of A Small Lion Dog (löwchen) And A Caffieri Poodle, Louis XVI Style, Marble

Small Löwchen "Lion Dog" in chiseled and gilded bronze, after Caffieri, 19th century

Elegant 19th-century French animal sculpture depicting a Small Löwchen "Lion Dog," seated in an alert pose.

The animal rests firmly on its front legs, its body slightly turned and its head raised, its gaze directed upward.

The identification as a Löwchen is suggested by the characteristic distribution of the coat: a lush mane frames the head, neck, and chest, contrasting with the smoother rendering of the body and hindquarters. The long tail, lying flat at the base, ends in an imposing plume. This silhouette is reminiscent of the ancient Löwchen, a small companion dog highly prized in European aristocratic circles.

The carving is particularly meticulous, with great attention to detail. The long, wavy locks of fur are deeply carved around the forehead, ears, cheeks, muzzle, and chest. The contrast between these richly detailed areas and the smoother surfaces of the body highlights the animal’s form. The claws, the joints of the limbs, and the facial details also attest to meticulous craftsmanship.

The bronze features a beautiful, warm, and luminous gilding, nuanced by darker tones in the recesses of the chisel work. These variations accentuate the relief of the fur and give the sculpture a remarkable decorative presence.

The dog rests on a rectangular base of slightly veined white marble, surrounded by a row of gilded bronze beads. The entire piece is supported by four small turned gilded bronze feet, lending it lightness and balance in the tradition of the Louis XVI style

This sculpture is based on an animal model attributed to the Caffieri family, a famous dynasty of sculptors, casters, and engravers active in the service of the French Crown during the 18th century. Jacques Caffieri and later his son Philippe Caffieri were among the most important creators of decorative bronze pieces of their time. This example is a 19th-century French interpretation based on a design by Caffieri.