The history of animal sculpture is a fascinating journey that begins in prehistoric times. The earliest known works date back to the Magdalenian period, around 15,000 years ago. The humans of that time carved animals from mammoth ivory and bone. For example, the famous "small horse of Lourdes," found in the Espélugues cave in Lourdes, is a figure carved from mammoth ivory. However, the oldest animal sculptures in ivory were discovered in the Vogelherd caves in Germany and are dated to over 30,000 years ago.
In ancient Egypt, animal sculptures were omnipresent. Many animals were associated with the gods, thus the Egyptian statuary of the time abounds with representations of baboons, cats, jackals, falcons, rams, and also hybrid creatures, half-human, half-animal, such as sphinxes or depictions of Horus with a human body and a falcon head.
Ancient Greece also produced remarkable animal sculptures. The sculptor Myron, for example, is famous for his sculpture "Cow of Athens," a bronze cow statue that was, according to legend, so realistic that birds tried to perch on it. However, his works have not survived, except for late Roman copies, including that of the Minotaur. But ancient Greece also produced, at an earlier time, bronze horse sculptures with stylized forms and various representations of owls, the symbol of Athena. These sculptures inspired 20th-century artists who sought to renew animal art.
During the Middle Ages, animals were often depicted in religious art. Whether in church capitals or gothic cathedral gargoyles, such as those of Notre-Dame de Paris, these are striking examples of animal sculpture from this period. Many animals mentioned in sacred texts were represented in statuary, sometimes in very original ways due to the lack of realistic models, such as lions.
In the Renaissance, sculptors were inspired by rediscovered antique sculptures and studied animal anatomy, influencing statuary towards a more realistic style. Metallurgical advancements allowed
the creation of more impressive style figures, such as rearing horses. One of the great animal sculptors of this period is Jean de Bologne, who created many equestrian sculptures such as that of Cosimo I, and works like the royal eagle in the Florence museum.
Animal sculpture in the 18th century saw notable development in Europe, particularly in France. This artistic genre, centered on the representation of animals, developed under the influence of enthusiasm for nature and exotic fauna, as well as the taste for hunting scenes and royal menageries.
Among the emblematic artists of this period are Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686-1755), primarily known for his animal paintings, which also influenced sculpture. His works were often used as models for bronze and porcelain sculptures.
Another important artist is Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791). Although mainly famous for his allegorical and mythological sculptures, he also created animal sculptures, such as the lions in the Tuileries Garden in Paris.
Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain (1710-1795) also stands out with works such as the lions adorning the gardens of Versailles. His style combines anatomical precision and expressiveness, bringing a living presence to his animal subjects.
The sculptors of the time used a variety of materials, including marble, bronze, and porcelain. The Sèvres manufactures, for example, produced fine porcelain pieces representing animals, often based on the drawings and sculptures of the mentioned artists.
The 19th century saw the emergence of artists specializing in animal sculpture, such as Antoine-
Louis Barye in France. Barye created bronze sculptures representing animals with great expressiveness and particular attention to anatomical details. His work "Lion au serpent" is particularly famous.
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), although better known for his sculptures such as "The Thinker" or "Balzac Standing," also created animal sculptures. For example, his "Walking Lion" demonstrates his skill in capturing the power and grace of animals.
Emmanuel Frémiet (1824-1910) is another important sculptor of this period. He is best known for his equestrian representations, such as "Joan of Arc" in Paris, but his animal sculptures, such as "Gorilla Abducting a Woman," show a naturalistic and dramatic approach to wildlife.
19th-century animal sculpture also reflects the growing interest in the scientific study of animals. Sculptors like Pierre-Jules Mène (1810-1879) created realistic and detailed works of horses, dogs, and game. His works, such as "Mare and Foal" or "Hunting Dog," were popular among art lovers and hunters.
The influence of world fairs and art salons also played a crucial role in the dissemination of animal sculpture. Exhibitions allowed artists to present their works to an international audience, thus contributing to the recognition and appreciation of this genre.
Thus, 19th-century animal sculpture represents a mix of realism, romanticism, and an admiration for nature and animals.
From the 20th century onwards, sculptors have explored new and innovative forms to represent animals, often moving away from realism to adopt more abstract and expressive styles.
François Pompon (1855-1933) is one of the emblematic figures of early 20th-century animal sculpture. His sculpture "Polar Bear" (1922) is famous for its simplified and smooth forms, capturing the essence of the animal while avoiding superfluous details. Pompon inspired many artists of his time with his minimalist and modernist approach.
Another important artist is Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), known for his bronze animal sculptures, such as "Walking Panther" and "Triumph Elephant." Bugatti had a deep understanding of animal anatomy, often observed in zoos. His style combines realism and expressionism, showing both the strength and vulnerability of animals.
The British sculptor Henry Moore (1898-1986), although primarily known for his abstract human forms, also created animal sculptures, notably of sheep and horses. Moore often drew inspiration from natural and organic forms, integrating animal characteristics into his abstract work.
Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975), another major figure in modern sculpture, also explored animal themes in some of her works. Her abstract approach and clean forms influenced the way animals were represented in sculpture of her time.
The 20th century also saw the emergence of new materials and techniques in sculpture, such as welded metal, plastic, and composite materials. Artists experimented with these new materials to create innovative animal works.
Thus, 20th-century animal sculpture reflects a period of experimentation and redefinition of artistic forms, with artists capturing the essence of animals with a renewed and expressive approach.
Today, contemporary sculptors continue to draw inspiration from the animal world. The British artist Sophie Ryder, for example, is known for her wire sculptures of hares and horses, often large and installed in public spaces.
Animal sculpture, far from being limited to a single period or style, reflects the concerns, beliefs, and techniques of each era while celebrating the diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom.
The ARS ESSENTIA gallery specializes in presenting contemporary animal sculpture through various artists such as Isabelle Carabantes, Jean-No, Benjamin Georgeaud, Ronceval, and many others who will enrich your collections.
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