catalog text
RARE BRONZE SCULPTURE OF "RECLINING EWE" CAST AFTER MODEL BY ROSA BONHEUR (FRENCH, 1822-1899)
Sand-casting with reddish-brown oxide patina | signed "Rosa B" | foundry mark for Comptoir Français d'Art | circa 1870's
Item # 007YEJ13K
A rare and very fine sand-cast bronze sculpture of an unshorn reclining ewe entitled Brebis Couchée by Rosa Bonheur, this model was cast by the foundry of Comptoir Français d'Art circa the 1870s. The majority of both Rosa and Isidore's work in bronze was cast by their brother-in-law, Hippolyte Peyrol; however, a quantity of excellent lifetime works cast by Comptoir Français d'Art have surfaced over the years and show a clear partnership between the two sculptors and this foundry throughout the last quarter of the 19th century. For one such example, see Isidore Jules Bonheur's Taureau Chargeant at Sotheby's, Sale N08579, 21 October 2009, lot 81.
A sensitive model of this unshorn lamb, Rosa is true to her ideals of Naturalism in portraying the shaggy animal with anatomical exactness, capturing the essence of the animal without the dramatic expectations of Romanticism.
The model is finished in a complex red-oxide over brown with hints of gold and dark brown.
This sculpture was almost certainly made as a pair to Rosa's Belier Couchée (Resting Ram), which is of very similar dimensions and opposes this sculpture beautifully. We have carried that model in the gallery numerous times and may currently have it available in our shop inventory.
Artist Listings & Further Reading:
- Bronzes of 'Les Animaliers', Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 177
- The Animaliers, James Mackay, 1973, p. 49 [pictured together with Belier Couchée]
Measurements: 8 5/8" W x 4 1/2" D x 3 7/8" H
Condition Report:
Minor rubbing to original patina. Excellent condition.