After Charles Valton (French, 1851-1918), "Lionne Blessee", first quarter 20th century, a patinated bronze feline figure after the 1888 model, depicting a lioness pierced by a pair of arrows, with dark greenish-brown patination, signed on the base "C. Valton", h. 11", l. 18", w. 4-3/4". A native of Gascony, Valton was the student of two of the great animaliers: Anton Louis Barye (1796-1875) and Emmanuel Fremiet (1824-1910). He studied the anatomy of big cats at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris (where both his teachers were directors), and became widely admired for his sculptures of these graceful animals. This particular model is perhaps his most famous: a very faithful three-dimensional depiction of a 7th century B.C. bas-relief panel from the "Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal" found at the North Palace at Nineveh (Kuyunjik, Iraq), now housed at the British Museum in London. Valton's interpretation - one of the most direct expressions of the Assyrian influence on the animaliers - was exhibited outside the City of Paris pavilion at the 1889 Exposition Universelle, where it was awarded a first-class medal. (Rodin served on the jury.) The life-sized bronze was then moved to Monceau Park in the 8th arrondissement, where it remained until World War II, when it was melted down by the Vichy government. Later in his career, Valton served as Professor of Sculpture at the Germain Pilon School and was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honor in 1906. He died in Chinon, near Tours, on May 29, 1918.

Descriptions provided in both the print and on-line catalogues do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that a lot is in perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear. We strongly suggest that you request a condition report prior to bidding on any lot. All transactions are governed by New Orleans Auction Galleries' Conditions of Sale.