Albert Hager (1857–1940) – Study Of An Elephant, Signed Pencil Drawing

A beautiful study of an elephant executed in graphite pencil by the sculptor and animal artist Albert Hager (1857–1940), signed “A. Hager” in the lower right corner.

The work depicts an elephant in a three-quarter view, captured with great naturalism. The lines are lively and precise; the hatching creates subtle shading while retaining the spontaneity characteristic of studio drawings. This drawing attests to the artist’s excellent knowledge of anatomy and his interest in exotic animals, a major theme in his work.

Known primarily for his animal bronzes, Albert Hager produced numerous preparatory drawings from life. Elephants, lions, tigers, bears, and other animals at the Antwerp Zoo were a recurring source of inspiration in his work.

Dimensions

• Sheet: 30 × 24 cm
• Signed lower right.

Condition
Very good overall condition. The paper shows a slight patina of age, with no notable flaws. The drawing is mounted on a mat.

Albert Hager (Frankfurt, 1857 – Brussels, 1940) was a Belgian sculptor and animal artist of German origin.

Having settled in Belgium at a very young age, he studied at the Académie de Saint-Gilles under Alfred Cluysenaar. He became a professor there in 1893, then director of the institution in 1918. Hager is today considered one of the leading figures in early 20th-century Belgian animal sculpture.

Fascinated by wild animals, which he observed particularly at the Antwerp Zoo, he specialized in depicting felines, elephants, bears, horses, and dogs. His work is distinguished by a remarkable sense of movement, a keen eye for anatomy, and great expressive power. He exhibited regularly at the Brussels and Antwerp Salons, as well as in several international exhibitions. Most of his sculptures were cast by the Compagnie des Bronzes in Brussels.