Seated Upright Hare
Sculpture, decorative figure • Anonymous Commercial Producer; Contemporary Decorative Arts school. Style inspired by the Animalier school.
Style & Movement
Naturalistic, Animalier-style (inspired by 19th-century French animal sculptors)
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze-finished metal (likely white metal or zinc alloy) with a dark oil-rubbed or chemical patina. Cold-cast or sand-cast method.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Modern production)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-12 inches in height; vertical/portrait format.
Subject Description
A naturalistic representation of an upright, seated hare (rabbit) in a begging or alert posture. The surface is heavily textured to mimic fur, with tall ears and paws held forward in a characteristic sentinel position.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible wear on the high points of the ears and paws where the dark patina has rubbed away to reveal a lighter base metal.
Estimated Market Value
$75 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased via a modern retail home decor gallery, garden center, or interior design marketplace. No specific labels visible.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the enduring popularity of the late 19th-century French 'Animalier' movement (pioneered by Antoine-Louis Barye) in contemporary home decor and garden ornamentation.
Notable Features
Heavy texture and stylized paws; the tall ears are a focal point. The 'cold' feel of the metal suggests a mass-produced mold rather than a lost-wax fine art bronze.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions, patina loss on the tips of the ears (scuffing), and some accumulation of dust in deep textured crevices.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a soft brush and microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners. If used outdoors, a light coating of microcrystalline wax (Renaissance Wax) can prevent further oxidation.