Shell cup with bronze turtle and snake, Christophe Fratin (attributed to) (1800-1864)
Unusual and interesting bronze sculpture featuring a turtle base, chicken foot and snake holding an oyster shell.
Please note, the original bronze would have had a bronze shell. This example is missing is original bronze shell and has been replaced with an oyster shell. Oyster shell currently sits loose but could be secured if desired.
Gaspar-Joseph Vittoz bronze foundry mark on base of turtle
Height approx. 8.75”
Overall good ready to display condition.
About the artist:
Christophe Fratin (1801-1864) was a notable French sculptor recognized for his contributions to the Romantic movement in sculpture, particularly known for his animalier (animal) sculptures. Here are some key points about his life and work:
Early Life and Education:
Birth: Christophe Fratin was born on January 1, 1801, in Metz, France.
Training: He initially trained under his father, a taxidermist, which gave him a deep understanding of animal anatomy. He later studied sculpture with Théodore Géricault, a prominent Romantic painter known for his dynamic compositions and focus on animals.
Career and Works:
Specialization: Fratin specialized in animal sculptures, a genre known as "animalier." His work captured the dynamism and vitality of animals, often depicted in dramatic and naturalistic poses.
Style: His style was characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a sense of movement and realism. His sculptures often depicted animals in action, emphasizing their strength and grace.
Notable Works:
"Eagle and Vulture Perched on a Bull": One of his most famous works, this sculpture was installed in Central Park, New York, in 1863. It showcases his ability to convey dramatic scenes with lifelike accuracy.
Other Works: Fratin's oeuvre includes numerous smaller sculptures and bronzes, often depicting domestic and wild animals such as dogs, horses, and birds.
Exhibitions and Legacy:
Salons: Fratin exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, gaining recognition for his skill and artistic vision.
Influence: He was one of the early pioneers in the animalier genre, which became increasingly popular in the 19th century. His work influenced other sculptors who followed in his footsteps, contributing to the broader Romantic movement in art.
Legacy: Although not as widely known today, Fratin's work remains appreciated for its technical skill and artistic merit. His sculptures are still studied and admired by collectors and art historians.
Additional Information:
Death: Christophe Fratin died on August 17, 1864, in Le Raincy, France.
Collections: His works can be found in various museums and private collections around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
About the Vittoz bronze foundry:
The Vittoz bronzier foundry in Paris, known for its exquisite bronze work, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The foundry was prominently involved in producing high-quality bronze sculptures and decorative objects. Here are some key details about the foundry:
Historical Context:
Establishment and Operation: The Vittoz foundry was established in Paris and became renowned for its bronze casting techniques and collaborations with prominent artists. It was active during a time when bronze sculpture and decorative arts were highly valued in European society.
Artistic Collaborations: One of the notable collaborations was with Jean-Jacques Feuchère, a distinguished sculptor of the Romantic period. Feuchère's works, including a famous clock featuring a bronze figure of Michelangelo, were produced by the Vittoz foundry. This piece was exhibited at the Exposition of Industrial and Agricultural Products in Paris in 1849, where it received acclaim (Victoria and Albert Museum) (Christie's).
Signature Works: The foundry produced a variety of ornamental and functional bronze pieces, including ewers, clocks, and sculptures. These works often bore the signature "Vittoz Bronzier," signifying their origin and authenticity.
Notable Pieces:
Michelangelo Clock: This clock is a prime example of the foundry's craftsmanship, combining artistic and technical skills from various disciplines. It was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, in 1851, where it won a gold medal. The clock featured intricate bronze work and was highly detailed, demonstrating the foundry's ability to create pieces of significant artistic and cultural value (Victoria and Albert Museum).
Gilt-Bronze Ornamental Ewers: Another example of the foundry's work includes a pair of gilt-bronze ewers with elaborate designs featuring centaurs, amorini, and tritons. These pieces highlight the foundry's expertise in creating decorative objects that are both functional and artistically intricate (Christie's).
Unusual and interesting bronze sculpture featuring a turtle base, chicken foot and snake holding an oyster shell.
Please note, the original bronze would have had a bronze shell. This example is missing is original bronze shell and has been replaced with an oyster shell. Oyster shell currently sits loose but could be secured if desired.
Gaspar-Joseph Vittoz bronze foundry mark on base of turtle
Height approx. 8.75”
Overall good ready to display condition.
About the artist:
Christophe Fratin (1801-1864) was a notable French sculptor recognized for his contributions to the Romantic movement in sculpture, particularly known for his animalier (animal) sculptures. Here are some key points about his life and work:
Early Life and Education:
Birth: Christophe Fratin was born on January 1, 1801, in Metz, France.
Training: He initially trained under his father, a taxidermist, which gave him a deep understanding of animal anatomy. He later studied sculpture with Théodore Géricault, a prominent Romantic painter known for his dynamic compositions and focus on animals.
Career and Works:
Specialization: Fratin specialized in animal sculptures, a genre known as "animalier." His work captured the dynamism and vitality of animals, often depicted in dramatic and naturalistic poses.
Style: His style was characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a sense of movement and realism. His sculptures often depicted animals in action, emphasizing their strength and grace.
Notable Works:
"Eagle and Vulture Perched on a Bull": One of his most famous works, this sculpture was installed in Central Park, New York, in 1863. It showcases his ability to convey dramatic scenes with lifelike accuracy.
Other Works: Fratin's oeuvre includes numerous smaller sculptures and bronzes, often depicting domestic and wild animals such as dogs, horses, and birds.
Exhibitions and Legacy:
Salons: Fratin exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, gaining recognition for his skill and artistic vision.
Influence: He was one of the early pioneers in the animalier genre, which became increasingly popular in the 19th century. His work influenced other sculptors who followed in his footsteps, contributing to the broader Romantic movement in art.
Legacy: Although not as widely known today, Fratin's work remains appreciated for its technical skill and artistic merit. His sculptures are still studied and admired by collectors and art historians.
Additional Information:
Death: Christophe Fratin died on August 17, 1864, in Le Raincy, France.
Collections: His works can be found in various museums and private collections around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
About the Vittoz bronze foundry:
The Vittoz bronzier foundry in Paris, known for its exquisite bronze work, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The foundry was prominently involved in producing high-quality bronze sculptures and decorative objects. Here are some key details about the foundry:
Historical Context:
Establishment and Operation: The Vittoz foundry was established in Paris and became renowned for its bronze casting techniques and collaborations with prominent artists. It was active during a time when bronze sculpture and decorative arts were highly valued in European society.
Artistic Collaborations: One of the notable collaborations was with Jean-Jacques Feuchère, a distinguished sculptor of the Romantic period. Feuchère's works, including a famous clock featuring a bronze figure of Michelangelo, were produced by the Vittoz foundry. This piece was exhibited at the Exposition of Industrial and Agricultural Products in Paris in 1849, where it received acclaim (Victoria and Albert Museum) (Christie's).
Signature Works: The foundry produced a variety of ornamental and functional bronze pieces, including ewers, clocks, and sculptures. These works often bore the signature "Vittoz Bronzier," signifying their origin and authenticity.
Notable Pieces:
Michelangelo Clock: This clock is a prime example of the foundry's craftsmanship, combining artistic and technical skills from various disciplines. It was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, in 1851, where it won a gold medal. The clock featured intricate bronze work and was highly detailed, demonstrating the foundry's ability to create pieces of significant artistic and cultural value (Victoria and Albert Museum).
Gilt-Bronze Ornamental Ewers: Another example of the foundry's work includes a pair of gilt-bronze ewers with elaborate designs featuring centaurs, amorini, and tritons. These pieces highlight the foundry's expertise in creating decorative objects that are both functional and artistically intricate (Christie's).
Unusual and interesting bronze sculpture featuring a turtle base, chicken foot and snake holding an oyster shell.
Please note, the original bronze would have had a bronze shell. This example is missing is original bronze shell and has been replaced with an oyster shell. Oyster shell currently sits loose but could be secured if desired.
Gaspar-Joseph Vittoz bronze foundry mark on base of turtle
Height approx. 8.75”
Overall good ready to display condition.
About the artist:
Christophe Fratin (1801-1864) was a notable French sculptor recognized for his contributions to the Romantic movement in sculpture, particularly known for his animalier (animal) sculptures. Here are some key points about his life and work:
Early Life and Education:
Birth: Christophe Fratin was born on January 1, 1801, in Metz, France.
Training: He initially trained under his father, a taxidermist, which gave him a deep understanding of animal anatomy. He later studied sculpture with Théodore Géricault, a prominent Romantic painter known for his dynamic compositions and focus on animals.
Career and Works:
Specialization: Fratin specialized in animal sculptures, a genre known as "animalier." His work captured the dynamism and vitality of animals, often depicted in dramatic and naturalistic poses.
Style: His style was characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a sense of movement and realism. His sculptures often depicted animals in action, emphasizing their strength and grace.
Notable Works:
"Eagle and Vulture Perched on a Bull": One of his most famous works, this sculpture was installed in Central Park, New York, in 1863. It showcases his ability to convey dramatic scenes with lifelike accuracy.
Other Works: Fratin's oeuvre includes numerous smaller sculptures and bronzes, often depicting domestic and wild animals such as dogs, horses, and birds.
Exhibitions and Legacy:
Salons: Fratin exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, gaining recognition for his skill and artistic vision.
Influence: He was one of the early pioneers in the animalier genre, which became increasingly popular in the 19th century. His work influenced other sculptors who followed in his footsteps, contributing to the broader Romantic movement in art.
Legacy: Although not as widely known today, Fratin's work remains appreciated for its technical skill and artistic merit. His sculptures are still studied and admired by collectors and art historians.
Additional Information:
Death: Christophe Fratin died on August 17, 1864, in Le Raincy, France.
Collections: His works can be found in various museums and private collections around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
About the Vittoz bronze foundry:
The Vittoz bronzier foundry in Paris, known for its exquisite bronze work, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The foundry was prominently involved in producing high-quality bronze sculptures and decorative objects. Here are some key details about the foundry:
Historical Context:
Establishment and Operation: The Vittoz foundry was established in Paris and became renowned for its bronze casting techniques and collaborations with prominent artists. It was active during a time when bronze sculpture and decorative arts were highly valued in European society.
Artistic Collaborations: One of the notable collaborations was with Jean-Jacques Feuchère, a distinguished sculptor of the Romantic period. Feuchère's works, including a famous clock featuring a bronze figure of Michelangelo, were produced by the Vittoz foundry. This piece was exhibited at the Exposition of Industrial and Agricultural Products in Paris in 1849, where it received acclaim (Victoria and Albert Museum) (Christie's).
Signature Works: The foundry produced a variety of ornamental and functional bronze pieces, including ewers, clocks, and sculptures. These works often bore the signature "Vittoz Bronzier," signifying their origin and authenticity.
Notable Pieces:
Michelangelo Clock: This clock is a prime example of the foundry's craftsmanship, combining artistic and technical skills from various disciplines. It was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, in 1851, where it won a gold medal. The clock featured intricate bronze work and was highly detailed, demonstrating the foundry's ability to create pieces of significant artistic and cultural value (Victoria and Albert Museum).
Gilt-Bronze Ornamental Ewers: Another example of the foundry's work includes a pair of gilt-bronze ewers with elaborate designs featuring centaurs, amorini, and tritons. These pieces highlight the foundry's expertise in creating decorative objects that are both functional and artistically intricate (Christie's).