La lionne couchée', by Valton

Charles Valton was born in Paris on January 26, 1851. He was in turn a pupil of the 2 masters of 19th-century animal sculpture, BARYE and FREMIET, who were also directors of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, where the young Valton spent most of his time capturing the postures and anatomical details of the residents of the Grande Ménagerie.
Valton was particularly fond of depicting the fairy raceline, his favorite subject, often adding other materials as a base, such as white marble for snow, or granite for rock. The feline aspect and powerful musculature of this lioness at rest, raising her head and pricking up an inquisitive ear, while retaining her calm assurance, are perfectly captured in his work.
The original cast was produced according to the strict rules of art bronze, which determine the purity of the bronze and the high quality of the chasing and patina. The latter has been executed with the greatest respect for the original patina, brown with golden reflections and a beautiful depth, in the style of the 19th century.