GEORGES GARDET
French, 1863-1939

"Bison et Jaguar" (1892)

Medium brown patinated sand-cast bronze | cast circa 1920
Signed G. GARDET, cold-stamped 6963
Foundry cachet (undoubtedly Siot-Decauville) delaminated verso leaving a blank seal

17" W (base 14 1/2" W) x 8 3/4" H x 5 1/4" D

Originally exhibited by Georges Gardet in 1892, the monumental version of this sculpture was acquired for the entrance of the Museum of Laval in the same year and remains one of Gardet's most popular and recognized works.  Like the majority of his work, the present example was cast without doubt by the foundry of Siot-Decauville - the cachet delaminated from the prepared circular void at some point in the past, but there is no question it was cast by their house. The model is cold-stamped in their typical manner 6963 verso.

The fine modeling and casting of the sculpture is typical the work Gardet produced during his lifetime, the surface finished in a wonderful nuanced dark brown patina with red-oxide undertones coming through together with autumnal hues of lighter brown and caramel bronze.

Literature & Further Reading:

• Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, p. 341-345
• Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, p. 180/f. Catl36 (present example, noted at 8 1/2" H); p. 405 (biography)
• The Animaliers, James Mackay, p. 65
• Bronze Sculpture of 'Les Animaliers', Jane Horswell, p. 265 (present example, noted at 8 1/2" H)
• E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Vol. V, Gründ, 2006, p. 1332 (biographical & sale results)
• Revue Encyclopédique : Recueil Documentaire Universel Et Illustré, 1892, p. 957 (in depth contemporary discussion of "Bison et Jaguar" the same year of exhibition)
• Christies, 28 November 2007, Sale 1910, lot 140 (titled "Lion attaquant un bison", 9" H, cast by Siot, retailed by Tiffany, # 6447); achieved $ 11,250 USD

Condition Report:
Trace rubbing wear around the raised relief of the base. Hints of wear to other raised elements, including the Bison's head, a few places along the ridge of its back, the horns and other small wear points. Fine original patina preserved under wax. Cleaned, polished and ready to place.

ref. 511QIU09Z