catalog text
"ANE D'AFRIQUE" BRONZE SCULPTURE BY AUGUSTE NICHOLAS CAIN (FRENCH, 1821-1894)
Signed in cast "A CAIN", branded to flank "A.C.", titled in naturalstic base "ANE D'AFRIQUE"
Item # 912GPP09J
A rare and exquisite model of an African Donkey by Auguste Nicholas Cain, this very finely detailed model is one of two variations Cain developed for this work - one with the donkey carrying a woven basket strapped across its back and the present model without panniers across the back. This model is documented in Horswell's book while the other version is documented in Forrest's reference work (see below). The mottled and naturalistic base is so intricately detailed with the crisp precision expected of pieces cast by Cain's foundry. The donkey is beautifully chased and filed into perfection, the surface with a warm mid-brown chemical patination that remains in excellent original condition.
Literature & Further Reading:
- Art Bronzes, Michael Forrest, 1988, p. 205, f. 3.122 [variation of this model with donkey wearing a collection basket]
- Bronze Sculpture of "Les Animaliers", Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 255 [identical model]
Measurements: 6 1/2" W x 2 11/16" D x 5 5/8" H
Condition Report:
Excellent original condition. Rubbed wear to patina in a few spots of relief: raised hip bone, shoulder bone, some rubbing to rib cage, patina discoloration to pin along ridge of back. Polished and in superb presentation-ready condition.