A superb 19th-century French patinated bronze sculpture of a lion by the celebrated animalier sculptor Jules Moigniez (1835–1894). The lion is modelled standing alert and powerfully poised, with one foreleg advanced and its head turned slightly forward. Particularly fine attention has been given to the animal’s anatomy, from the muscular modelling of the body and legs to the wonderfully detailed mane, expressive face and carefully articulated paws. The sculpture stands upon an integral oval naturalistic base, textured to represent rough terrain interspersed with rocky outcrops. A particularly charming and unusual detail is the clearly modelled pawprint impressed into the ground beside the lion, demonstrating Moigniez’s characteristic attention to natural observation and adding considerable interest to the composition. The bronze retains a rich, deep brown-black patination, with warmer bronze tones subtly showing through across the raised areas and musculature. This variation gives the sculpture considerable depth and enhances the quality of the modelling and casting. Signed “J. Moigniez” to the naturalistic base. Jules Moigniez was one of the notable French animaliers of the 19th century and exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1855. He became particularly admired for his highly detailed and naturalistic representations of animals and birds, with his bronzes distinguished by their crisp casting, lively modelling and finely observed surface detail. A handsome and highly decorative example of 19th-century French animalier bronze sculpture, combining a powerful subject with particularly attractive original-style patination and fine detail throughout. French, circa 1860 Dimensions: Length: 13.5 in. (34.3 cm) Width: 4.75 in. (12.1 cm) Height: 8 in. (20.3 cm)