A FRENCH LIFESIZE BRONZE ANIMALIER GROUP OF TWO HOUNDS

This lifesize bronze of two hounds compares closely to similarly monumental groups executed by Auguste-Nicolas Cain (d.1894). One of the foremost animaliers during the second half of the nineteenth century, Cain exhibited his plaster model entitled 'Chiens de Meute' at the Salon in 1884 and a life-size marble version, commissioned for the grounds of the Palais de l'Elysée, three years later. An earlier, closely related life-size work, cast by A. Rolland and this time depicting two hounds belonging to Louis-Philippe's fourth son, the Duc d'Aumale, was exhibited at the Salon in 1881. It is still displayed on the parterre at Chateau du Chantilly. Another monumental group by Cain, 'an épreuve unique' reputed to have belonged to the one of the wealthiest women in France, the Duchesse d'Uzs (d. 1933), was offered Christie's, London, 29 February 1996, lot 337.