Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), 'Jaguar Accroupi (Petit Modèle)', patinated bronze, cast by A.A. Hébrard, N° 18/51 10.5 x 19.6 cm. (4.12 x 7.71 in.), Frame: 13.5 x 17.5 cm. (5.30 x 6.88 in.)

拍品描述

Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), 'Jaguar Accroupi (Petit Modèle)', patinated bronze, cast by A.A. Hébrard, N° 18/51 Inscribed 'RBugatti', numbered '(18)', and stamped with the foundry mark 'CIRE PERDUE A.A. HÉBRARD'. Patinated bronze on the original oak base. Conceived circa 1908 and cast in bronze in a numbered edition of 51. Lot Essay The Italian sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti (1884–1916) had a close and enduring connection with the Antwerp Zoo, which played a defining role in his artistic career. After settling in Antwerp in 1907, he spent countless hours observing the zoo's animals, studying their anatomy, movements, and behaviour with remarkable attention to detail. The zoo became his open-air studio, providing inspiration for many of his most celebrated bronze sculptures. Rather than idealising his subjects, Bugatti sought to capture the individuality and vitality of each animal. His expressive sculptures of elephants, panthers, antelopes, monkeys, and other species are considered masterpieces of modern animal sculpture. Through Bugatti's work, the Antwerp Zoo became closely linked to his artistic legacy and is remembered as the place that inspired many of his celebrated animal sculptures. Bugatti's bond with the zoo was also deeply personal. During the First World War, severe food shortages forced the zoo to euthanise many of its animals. The loss profoundly affected the sculptor, who had come to know many of them through years of observation. This tragedy, together with other personal and financial difficulties, contributed to the depression that preceded his death in 1916.

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