Vintage 19th Century Christophe Fratin Bronze Horse Sculpture

Product Description

A finely modeled bronze horse by Christophe Fratin, one of the leading figures of nineteenth century French animalier sculpture. Standing at rest, the horse is rendered with close attention to anatomy, from the articulated musculature of the body to the poised head and alert expression. Fratin captures the animal with a naturalism that conveys both physical strength and restrained movement.

The bronze is finished with a warm brown patina, subtly varied across the surface to emphasize the sculptural modeling. Weighing approximately 86 pounds, the substantial figure stands upon a rectangular bronze plinth mounted to a dark marble base.

Christophe Fratin (1801–1864) emerged as an important sculptor during the rise of the French Romantic and Animalier movements. Influenced by Théodore Géricault, Fratin began exhibiting at the Paris Salon in 1831 and became known internationally for his studies of horses, stags, and other animals. His work contributed to the growing recognition of animal sculpture as a significant genre in nineteenth century France. Fratin is recorded in the Bénézit Dictionary of Artists.