Charles Valton, (French sculptor working 1851-1918) mastiff. Valton, a pupil of Barye and Frémiet's of the Animalier movement of sculptors, created an array of over 70 elegant animal bronze sculptures, among which this is likely the most popular of all his sculptures, created about c.1900. Cast in various sizes, this one in desktop version/size is very heavy, solid cast bronze on marble plinth, brown patina, signed by the sculptor/artist. "Passes au Large", (Go Wide) meaning, essentially, Beware of dog, it is probably Valton’s most famous and largest production bronze. Valton exhibited over 70 models at the Paris Salon from 1868 through 1914, winning several medals. In 1883 he was named Professor of Sculpture at the Germain Pilon School. He was awarded the cross of the Legion d’Honneur in 1906. His work is part of many museum collections and he is also notably included in at least 7 major reference books headlining sculptors of the Animalier era and movement. This particularly popular bronze was created in several sizes and this is the desktop 10 1/4" original cast in very heavy solid bronze, mounted on dark marble plinth. I can mention that these range (currently and recent auctions, or listed) between $2k to $24k for a larger model which is on 1stDibs right now. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Excellent condition throughout, there really are no flaws to note. I've had this bronze for more than 30 years. Way back, I used several Animalier dog bronzes in my office, lighted by an unattached lamp with silk shade and wooden plinth just to show them off. I've loved this one and my others long, and if you're buying and want to also have the lamp base/shade my youngest son and I put together all those many years ago, just ask and I'll include it. Superb for desktop or, as shown in one photo, to light a tabletop group of family photos in antique frames (we can help you with frames, too - just ask). There are no losses to the beautiful old brown patina.
