Isidore-Jules Bonheur (1827-1901) gained great success with his equestrian sculptures, of which the present bronze is a rare and fine example. Though Bonheur did not exhibit all his works at the Paris Salon, there are four exhibits which may relate to the present model, a wax Arab Stallion included in the Salon of 1850, a bronze Horse included in the Salon of 1853, a bronze English Stallion included in the Salon of 1863 and a plaster English Thouroughbred Horse included in the Salon of 1866.
The present Stallion is shown with free flowing mane and tail, its anatomy carefully modelled and its veining accurately captured. It is represented in the act of calling, its ears pricked and nostrils flaring, and the nerves and muscles tensed in its face and neck. It is probable that the stallion is calling a mare in a neighbouring paddock, and this model has appeared in the past paired with a bronze mare (Payne, op. cit.). However, as an individual sculpture the present stallion is one of Bonheur's most interesting and animated figures of horses. It was cast by his brother-in-law Hippolyte Peyrol, who worked closely with Isidore and his sister Rosa, casting their bronzes to high standards.