Alfred Dubucand (1828-1924) studied under the famous animalier sculptor Barye and produced many highly realistic models of animals throughout his career. He debuted at the Salon of 1867 with a wax model of a dead pheasant. He exhibited regularly until 1883, often showing wax models before re-submitting the bronze casts in subsequent years.
His attention to detail and skilful modelling of animals reflected Barye’s influence, but he is perhaps most renowned for his work depicting the people and animals of North Africa and the Middle East. This bronze illustrates the sculptor’s fascination with this area and its nomadic inhabitants.