Paul- Edouard Delabrierre Original Antique 19c French Bronze "Hunter and Hounds" 1880 Fine Art Sculpture
Very detailed antique bronze sculpture of a fox hunter and hounds, ("Huntsman and Hounds", 1880), by French sculptor Paul Edouard Delabrierre, (1829-1912). The sculpture is extensive in the brush and leaves. The hounds are detailed in anatomy down to their hair. The fox hunter's belt buckle is of a little fox's head. Bronze sculpture has patina throughout. There is a heavier patina around the mid-arm/elbow on the hunter that goes through the bronze a bit; also on the fallen tree, near the hunter's feet, and all around in the ground area. The approximate measurements of the bronze sculpture alone, without the base, is 8.5"W X 3.75" L X 11.75"H.
Paul-Édouard Delabrièrre (1829–1912): French Animalier Sculptor
Paul-Édouard Delabrièrre (29 March 1829 – 1912) was a prominent French animalier sculptor who gained recognition in the mid-to-late 19th century and early 20th century. Known for his realistic and versatile depictions of animals, Delabrièrre showcased 70 works at the prestigious Salon art exhibition in Paris. His monumental sculpture L'Equitation adorns the facade of the Louvre, exemplifying his mastery of bronze.
Born in Paris to Louis Henri Delabrièrre and Marie Zoe Chaffard, Delabrièrre initially studied painting under Jean-Baptiste Delestre. However, he soon shifted his focus to sculpture, leaving behind a significant body of work in bronze, plaster, wax, and terra cotta. Despite his prolific career, little is known about his personal life aside from his marriage to Anne-Eugénie Alléon in 1868 and her death in 1878.
Delabrièrre was a key figure in the animalier school, exhibiting regularly at the Salon from 1848 to 1882. His debut works, Greyhound Holding a Hare and Wounded Deer, set the tone for his career, blending meticulous realism with a dynamic style often influenced by Antoine-Louis Barye, the father of the animalier movement.
While most of his sculptures were small-scale, Delabrièrre occasionally ventured into monumental pieces. His iconic L'Equitation (1857), depicting a horse and two putti, stands as a testament to his skill and creativity. This large-scale bronze was completed and installed at the Louvre in the same year.
Delabrièrre also experimented with cast iron in his later works, collaborating with the Durenne Val Osne art foundry under Pierre Louis Rouillard. Despite their innovative nature, these iron sculptures were less popular with collectors accustomed to traditional bronze.
Renowned for his versatility, Delabrièrre sculpted a wide range of animals, from European mammals to exotic species such as lions, panthers, camels, and birds. He exhibited notable pieces like the Javanese Panther (Salon 1857) and Tigre du Bengale (Salon 1865). His works often employed both sand casting and lost wax methods, showcasing his technical expertise.
Delabrièrre's realist approach extended to unconventional themes, including his controversial circa-1870 bronze of a defecating dog, which sparked conversation for its extreme realism. Despite occasional eccentricities, his bronzes were highly sought after in Britain and the United States, where firms like J.E. Caldwell & Co. imported and marketed his work.
Delabrièrre’s sculptures are displayed in museums such as the Musée de Picardie in Amiens, France. Among them is his Panthére de l'Inde Dévorant un Héron (1858), a striking piece later exhibited at the 1861 Salon.
Paul-Édouard Delabrièrre remains a significant figure in the animalier school. His commitment to realism and craftsmanship places him among the leading sculptors of his era. His ability to depict animals with lifelike vitality ensured his work’s enduring appeal in the art world.
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