Magnificent French Antique Bronze of Two Hurdling Horses, After Isidore Jules Bonheur

Superb French antique late 19th Century bronze of a two hurdling horses jumping a fence entitled ‘The Steeplechase’ after Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901). Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth with dark brown patina. Signed ‘I. BONHEUR’ on the base. The original double steeplechaser bronze was described by Christopher Payne as "one of the finest groups in the animalier field" (Animals in Bronze, p 345). The sculpture shows the vigorous movement and keenly observed detail characteristic of the artist at his best. Excellent condition and patina. Some small spots and scuffs due to age but no damage. Isidore Jules Bonheur is best known as one of the 19th century's most distinguished French animalier sculptors. Bonheur began his career as an artist working with his elder sister Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) – a celebrated painter of animals and also a sculptor – in the studio of their father, drawing instructor Raymond Bonheur. Initially working as a painter, Isidore Bonheur made his Salon debut in 1848. In 1849, at the age of 22, he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and regularly throughout his life exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. He achieved the most success with his sculptures of horses, which are among his most renowned works and rank among the finest of the French animalier school.