catalog text
AUGUSTE NICHOLAS CAIN
French, 1822-1894
"Ours Chiffonnier, Porte-Cigares" [A Seated Harvester Bear designed as a cigar stand]
Patinated bronze situated over original black marble base | Signed to base CAIN and signed CAIN to plaque on basket | cast circa 1850-60
Item # 303EPD14P
A rare early casting of Auguste Cain's Ours Chiffonnier, Porte-Cigares as titled in his late 19th century catalog of work edited by Susse fréres (see Kjellberg, 1996, p. 165) where it was included as no. 66 with a price of 75 francs. The present example is a finely textured and rather early cast with the original square-edged circular marble base upon which the sculpture is situated.
It is a departure from Cain's typically realist work, an anthropomorphized subject captured in a humorous manner similar to the work of his contemporary Christophe Fratin. The bear is modeled as a harvester sitting down to enjoy a bit of lunch and while looking on with a most serious expression the curving movement of his body signals an underlying jovial attitude. The figure is charming for its profile, but is stunning for its brilliant texture which is highlighted by the original dark-brown surface patina with warm undertones.
This particular example is signed twice, once to the basket and again incised to the base. A fine acquisition.
Measurements: 7 1/8" H (6 1/8" H bronze only) x 4 7/8" diameter
Condition Report:
Trace verdigris oxidization in a few areas, more notably to the circular base the bear sits on which has a slight greenish undertone. Some wear and discoloration inside of the basket including some grittiness from accumulated grime that has become part of the surface and some light wear around the inside of the cup the bear is holding. Tiny chips to the original base along with scuffing and scratches to the overall polish of the stone.