catalog text
ROSA BONHEUR
French, 1822-1899
"Taureau Beuglant"
Patinated bronze | Signed "Rosa B." | impressed "PEYROL" along back of base rim
Item # 202IPA12J
A finely cast lifetime bronze sculpture by Rosa Bonheur, this gorgeous model captures a bellowing bull over a naturalistic base is finished in a pleasing overall brown chemical patina. It is a lively model with wonderful surface texture throughout. It is sand-cast in the typical manner by Rosa's brother-in-law, François Auguste-Hippolyte Peyrol; true to the majority of models we have carried by his foundry, the bull is affixed through the base using peened end posts. The tiny cold-stamped foundry marking is impressed along the back edge of the model.
In 1872, Isidore Bonheur exhibited his model of a Bellowing Bull, a study that perfectly opposes Rosa's present cast of Taureau Beuglant. Isidore's model was arguably cast to be a pair to Rosa's and they were likely retailed together originally.
Examples of Rosa's work cast during her lifetime are rare and always exquisite - we specialize in her work as well as that of her brother, Isidore Bonheur. Our gallery has available a great number of casts by both Bonheurs - these are all on display in our gallery for your viewing pleasure and most are fully catalogued in our inventory.
Literature and research:
- Bronze Sculptures of 'Les Animaliers, Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 180 for present model [see p. 205 for Isidore Bonheur's bellowing bull, a likely pair to the present model]
- The Animaliers, James Mackay, 1973, p. 32/2 [color illustration of model pictured with recorded dimensions]
- Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, 2002, p. 174, fig. Catl18
- Kjellberg, Pierre, "Bronzes of the 19th Century", page 106-7
- Forrest, Michael, "Art Bronzes", page 471
Measurements: 4” D x 8 1/2” W x 6” H
Condition Report:
Original patina with handling wear rubbed relief to the patina, notably the upper edges of the bull's back, rib cage and hips on both sides; model has been carefully cleaned, sealed in conservator-grade wax and polished.