Bronze Bull – 19th Century, Attributed To Christophe Fratin (1801–1864)

An important bronze animal sculpture depicting the famous model of the “Triumphant Bull”, based on a design by Christophe Fratin (1801–1864), one of the leading figures in 19th-century French animal sculpture.

Standing powerfully on its naturalistic pedestal, the bull is depicted in a particularly proud pose: its neck erect, its head raised and slightly turned, while its long horns further accentuate the monumentality of its silhouette.

The treatment is vigorous and remarkably expressive. The powerful musculature of the chest and shoulders, the taut contours of the body, the dynamic modeling of the limbs, as well as the attention to detail in the gaze and facial features, lend the animal a striking presence.

The bull stands on a large rectangular pedestal with rounded corners, entirely carved in relief and evoking a rocky, rugged surface. This highly dynamic rendering of the terrain contrasts with the animal’s imposing mass and fully contributes to the romantic character of the composition.

The print features a beautiful antique patina, primarily dark brown, revealing warmer, golden-brown hues in places that admirably highlight the modeling.

This model is known as “Triumphant Bull” and is associated with the work of Christophe Fratin. Other examples are documented, notably unsigned ones, with dimensions very similar to those of this cast.

Our copy bears no visible signature and is therefore cautiously attributed as a bronze cast after Christophe Fratin.

Christophe Fratin (Metz, 1801 – Le Raincy, 1864) ranks, alongside Antoine-Louis Barye, among the pioneers of great French Romantic animal sculpture. His work is characterized in particular by a keen eye for anatomy and a predilection for animals depicted in powerful and expressive poses.

A very fine print, particularly decorative due to its large size and the strength of its composition.

Period: 19th century
Artist: after Christophe Fratin (1801–1864)
Subject: Triumphant Bull
Material: bronze
Patina: nuanced brown / golden brown
Signature: unsigned
Height: 41 cm
Length of the base: approx. 36 cm
Weight: approx. 5 kg

Good overall condition. Beautiful antique patina, with slight variations and signs of wear inherent to its age.