Auguste Cain (1821–1894) — Patinated Bronze Duck, Signed; 19th Century

Period: 19th century
Material: bronze with brown patina
Artist: Cain
Subject: duck
Signature: signed Auguste Cain (1821–1894)

Dimensions: 10 cm x 5.5 cm x 5 cm

A superb bronze animal sculpture depicting a duck, created in the 19th century and signed by the sculptor Auguste Cain, a leading figure in French animal sculpture.

The duck is depicted at rest, its body slightly crouched and its head turned backward, in a particularly natural pose. The rendering of the plumage is remarkable, with a surface finely worked by numerous incisions and variations in texture that bring the bronze to life.

The animal rests on a naturalistic pedestal evoking the edge of a pond, set against a backdrop of vegetation and rocky outcrops. The composition is mounted on an oval, tiered base, elegantly highlighting the sculpture.

The brown patina, tinged with greenish hues, accentuates the volumes and highlights the chisel work. The piece as a whole reflects the 19th century’s strong preference for naturalistic and detailed representations of the animal world.

Cain, whose animal sculptures are particularly sought after today, is part of the great French tradition of 19th-century animal sculpture, alongside artists such as Barye, Mène, and Frémiet.

A sculpture with a beautiful decorative presence, particularly noteworthy for the quality of its modeling, the finesse of the rendering of the plumage, and the artist’s signature.

Condition: good overall condition, beautiful antique patina.

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