Cheval libre (Free Horse) / Two Horses
Sculpture, figurative lost-wax bronze casting mounted on a base • In the manner of Pierre-Jules Mêne (French, 1810-1879), likely a posthumous or boutique foundry cast
Style & Movement
Animalier (19th-century French Realist school of animal sculpture)
Medium & Technique
Bronze with a cold-painted or chemical dark brown/chestnut patina; lost-wax casting technique with hand-finished chasing
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Modern cast of an earlier design)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-16 inches in height and 20-24 inches in width; Horizontal format
Subject Description
Two equine figures—one stood frontally, the other crossing behind—depicting anatomical precision and fluid movement. The composition emphasizes the grace of the Arabian horse, featuring high tails and slender legs on an integral textured rectangular base that mimics natural terrain.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; The patina is largely intact with minor surface dust and typical handling wear
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (as a high-quality decorative cast)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
No visible stamps found in image. Likely acquired through a gallery or estate sale specializing in 19th-century reproductions; a small brass plaque is visible on the black marble/wood plinth but the text is illegible.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the enduring legacy of the Animalier movement, which revolutionized the depiction of animals in art by moving away from allegory toward anatomical realism and naturalism in the 19th-century salon culture.
Notable Features
Features a classic tiered oval base and a secondary decorative plinth; the sleekness of the patina suggests a modern casting meant for high-end interior decoration rather than a 19th-century lifetime cast.
Condition Issues
Light accumulation of dust in the mane and crevices; minor surface abrasions consistent with displayed decorative objects; the secondary black base shows light scuffing.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dusting with a soft natural-hair brush; application of a microcrystalline wax (e.g., Renaissance Wax) to protect the patina from oxidation; display away from direct sunlight or humid environments.