We've owned and sold several works similar to this by famed listed French Animalier sculptor, Oudry, and this one is as stunning as any. It bears signature, "L. Oudry" for Léopold OUDRY. The 6" bronze sculptured body has 4 deep bas relief sculptures, cast most likely by a foundry like Barbedienne, along with the sculpture set into the top fo the box. All sporting animals, so popular in the Victorian or Napoleon III era. Louis Théophile HINGRE was a noted artist, illustrator, and sculptor, very successful. At the age of 12, he was apprenticed in Paris to the studio of Henri Louis Gervais and Adrien Possot to learn ornamental sculpture and manufacture of bronzes. His apprenticeship continued until he was 25. In a dual career, one of poster-like art after Mucha, and the creation and casting, finishing of bronze sculpture. Learning this art, he at first made a living creating sporting and horse racing trophies, and worked for Elkington & Co. He continued to work for Elkington & Co until he returned to France. In 1869, after his return to France, he lived in Paris.There he regularly took part in the competitions of the 'Union central des arts décoratifs' and exhibited almost yearly at the Salon until he was 78. He presented 45 works in the years 1860 to 1910. He was also a member of many goldsmiths organisations. He won a gold medal at the 1878 International Workers Collective Exhibition, and collaborated on works that obtained medals at the 1878 and 1890 Universal Expositions. (Wiki). This one is complete with original working lock and key.
Very good to excellent condition, obviously kept as a work of art and not as a simple jewelry casket. The old silk interior shows its age as you can see - some deterioration and wear of use. This is a sportsman's casket, a desktop work of Aninalier Era/Movement fine art sculpture. The silvered bronze remains elegant and the wildlife groups include primarily birds, from chicks to pheasants to waterfowl. A gold wash finish to the framework provides a stunning contrast. I find the only notable flaw to be a very slight push to the top ridge of the lid, at the back of the casket (see images - it's not much). Full measurements are noted on the photos.
