19th Century French Patinated Bronze Bull Sculpture on Oval Brass Base

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Description

Decorate a man's desk or a library shelf with this antique bull sculpture. Created in France, circa 1890, the figure … Read more Decorate a man's desk or a library shelf with this antique bull sculpture. Created in France, circa 1890, the figure sits on an integral oval brass base and depicts a proud bovine in a standing position ready to charge. The sculpture is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns a rich patinated bronze finish over gilt brass base; the sculpture with wonderful details, is unsigned and attributed to French sculptor Charles Valton or one of his followers.
Charles Valton (1851-1918) was a French animal sculptor born in Pau, France in 1851 but was raised in Paris; admitted to the Beaux-Arts academy, he was both Antoine Louis Barye and Emmanuel Fremiet's student. Valton studied at the famous Paris botanical garden, "Le Jardin des Plantes" and made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1868. From 1868-1914, over seventy of his animal models were exhibited at the Salon. In 1875, he became a member of the Society of French Artists. He received medals for his sculptures in 1875 and 1885, and was also rewarded at the Exposition Universelle of 1889 and 1900. In 1883, he became a Professor of Sculpture at Germain Pilon's School, and in 1906, Valton was awarded the Legion of Honor. He died in Chinon in 1918.
Measures: 8.5" W x 5.5" D x 7" H. See less