Expressive French Animalier Bronze Wild Boar c. 1900 - 8¼" x 11¾"

This finely modeled Animalier bronze depicts a wild boar striding across a naturalistic rocky base, the creature showing a lowered head and a bristled, expressive coat that captures its alert and spirited temperament. The surface displays richly chased detail and carries a nuanced patina that shifts beautifully from olive green to warm golden brown, lending vivid depth to the musculature and hide. The base bears a monogram, yet the artist remains unidentified, and the sculpture likely originates in France in the late 19th to early 20th century. The bronze is in very good condition, showing timeworn rubbing to the high points and gentle age toning to the otherwise well preserved patina.

Rooted in the French Animalier tradition shaped by sculptors such as Barye and Frémiet, this subject reflects the era’s fascination with accurate observation of wildlife and the hunt. The naturalistic base and vigorous modeling speak to Parisian savoir-faire in ciselure and patination, with foundry techniques such as cire perdue or fine sand casting used to capture lifelike textures. Variegated patinas are a hallmark of high-quality French bronzes, reflecting careful finishing.

Handsome on a library console, mantel, or desk, the boar brings a grounded, sculptural presence that suits traditional, lodge, and modern rustic rooms influenced by historic hunting culture. It pairs well with leather, oak, and marble, or stands as a focal piece on a stack of folios or a low pedestal. Group with other faunal bronzes for an intentional Animalier display, or let it stand alone to add character and patinated warmth to an entry or study.