Early 20th Century French Animalier Bronze Hunt Dog Sculpture Signed T. Cartier

$3,200

About

This finely cast antique French animalier bronze, circa 1910, depicts a powerful hunting dog captured mid-stride, head lowered and paw raised, conveying alertness, tension, and controlled movement. The modeling is precise and expressive, with exceptional attention given to musculature, posture, and anatomical realism—hallmarks of the French animalier tradition of the early 20th century. The sculpture is signed Cartier on the base. The work is attributed to Thomas François Cartier (1879–1943), a respected French animal sculptor best known for his dynamic depictions of predatory animals and hunting dogs. Cartier studied under Georges Gardet, one of the most influential animalier sculptors of the period, whose emphasis on natural movement and anatomical accuracy clearly informed Cartier’s work. Thomas François Cartier first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1904 and continued to refine his sculptural language over the following decades, ultimately earning a gold medal in 1927. His bronzes are prized for their realism, strong sense of motion, and narrative presence, particularly those featuring dogs and other working animals. Cartier is listed in the Bénézit Dictionary of Artists, confirming his standing within the canon of recognized French sculptors. This example retains a rich patinated finish with subtle tonal variations that enhance the depth of the casting and surface detail. The bronze is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use. Substantial in weight (approximately 28 pounds) and presence, it displays beautifully on a console, desk, or library table and would be especially appealing to collectors of French bronzes, animalier sculpture, or sporting art. Dimensions: 20″ W x 8″ D x 10″ H

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