Description
This monumental bronze hunting dog is an extraordinarily impressive and rare work of art from the early twentieth century. With its life-sized dimensions of 57 cm high, 57 cm deep, and 32 cm wide, this object is an absolute eye-catcher. The solid statue weighs no less than 22 kg, which testifies to the heavy and high quality of the bronze alloy. The sculpture depicts a seated hunting dog, presumably a Spaniel, Epagneul, or Setter, in an extremely alert yet serene pose. At Hi(s)story Antiques, you are assured of an object with a lived history and unparalleled aesthetic value.
Historical Context and the Animaliers Movement
This specific type bronze hunting dog fits seamlessly into the rich European tradition of Les Animaliers. This influential art movement experienced its absolute heyday between 1880 and 1940 in France and Germany. Within this tradition, sculptors strove for a perfect combination of anatomical precision and capturing the true character of the animal. Where previous centuries often depicted animals purely symbolically or statically, the Animal painters nature truly to life. The subtle folds in the snout, the alert position of the long drooping ears, and the expressive, loyal look in the eyes of this bronze hunting dog reflect the artistry of this historical period. The property exudes the atmosphere of an authentic early 20th-century hunting lodge or a stately European estate.
Handcrafted Casting Process and Unique Patina
The quality of this antique bronze hunting dog is evident in the fabulous detail of the fur. The sculpture was traditionally cast using the complex lost-wax method (lost waxAfter casting, the bronze was manually chased to refine the wavy and curly hair structure around the chest, flanks, and legs. This manual process ensures that no detail looks flat or machine-made.
The metal features a deep, layered dark brown base patina. Decades of exposure to the outdoor air and touch have created a brilliant, natural high-friction patina. On the higher parts, such as the snout, head, and shoulders, the warm, golden-yellow bronze color subtly shines through the dark finish. On the underside, the original, rough casting structure is visible. Here, the wide mounting edges have been manually ground flat so that the heavy animal stands stably. There is also a historical mounting hole here, which was formerly used to securely anchor the precious bronze casting to a natural stone column or floor slab against theft.
An Exclusive Eye-Catcher in a Modern Interior
Although this bronze hunting dog Deeply rooted in traditional arts and crafts, the object fits perfectly within contemporary design trends. The sculpture serves as the ultimate Statement piece within a minimalist Japandi interior or a robust Wabi-Sabi living style. The organic shapes and weathered texture of the bronze instantly bring warmth, character, and a sense of authenticity to a space. Place this monumental dog in a stately lobby, next to a fireplace, or use the weatherproof material to adorn a terrace, veranda, or exclusive villa garden. It is a timeless art object that will retain its value and appearance for generations to come.
Our Services and Insured Transport
At Hi(s)story Antiques, we understand that purchasing a heavy and valuable work of art requires trust and care. Due to the substantial weight of 22 kg and the high-end status of this bronze hunting dog, we apply the strictest standards for packaging and logistics. We offer 100% insured worldwide shipping. The artwork is packaged by us to be extremely shock-resistant in double-walled boxes with high-quality filling material. For buyers in the Netherlands and Belgium, tailored personal delivery is also possible upon consultation. We guarantee secure payment via certified methods and offer an absolute guarantee on the authenticity of all our antiquities. For more in-depth information on historical casting techniques, you can consult the official documentation on the history of bronze casting on Wikipedia consult. Do you have questions about the origin, would you like to receive extra detail photos, or view the item in person? Please feel free to send an email to info@hisstoryantiques.nl.
“Mater Purissima” - after Domenico Morelli, signed C. Callebaut






















