Description
Fine French bronze figure of a tethered mastiff. The figure of good size cast in solid bronze modelled as a mastiff dog protecting its home. The mastiff with a chain attached to its collar holding it back from potential trespassers with a sign to the rear reading ‘Prenez Garde Au Chien’ or ‘Beware of the Dog‘. The bronze signed LeCourtier for Prosper LeCourtier and also signed showing it was exhibited at the Beaux arts dated 1878. This is one of the larger casts of this model by LeCourtier and represents a large imposing bronze of excellent quality.
Notes | Prosper LeCourtier (1851-1924) was born in Gremilly, North-East France in 1855. He trained under the direction of the highly regarded Animalier sculptor Emmanuel Fremiet where he learned to hone his talents as a sculpture. LeCourtier went on to exhibit at the Salon de la Sociéte des Artistes Français in Paris winning a third-class medal in 1880, a second-class medal in 1879 and a first-class medal in 1902. He also won a bronze at the Exposition Universelle of 1900. He was a close friend of Hippolyte Moreau (1832-1926) mainly a figural sculptor and worked in collaboration with him on “Piqueur au Relais” where he modelled the dogs and Moreau modelled the figure. His works can be found in museums across France including the Provins Museum, Tourcoing Museum and three works in Guéret.
Measurements | 45cm High x 34cm Wide x 28cm Deep (17.72 x 13.39 x 11.02 Inches)
Condition | Excellent, wear consistent with age.
