catalog text
AUGUSTE NICHOLAS CAIN
French, 1821-1894
"Ane d'Afrique"
Patinated bronze | signed and titled in cast | branded "A.C." to flank
Item # 309SOQ22P
A scarce and exquisite example of Cain's "African Donkey", this very finely detailed model is one of two variations Cain offered - one with the donkey carrying a woven basket strapped across its back and the present model without panniers across the back. This model is documented in Horswell's book while the other version is documented in Forrest's reference work (see below). The mottled and naturalistic base is beautifully intricately detailed and the surface is finished with a warm mid-brown chemical patination that remains in excellent original condition.
Literature:
- Art Bronzes, Michael Forrest, 1988, p. 205, f. 3.122 [variation of this model with donkey wearing a collection basket]
- Bronze Sculpture of "Les Animaliers", Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 255 [identical model]
Measurements: 6 13/16" H x 2 3/4" D x 6 1/2" W
Condition Report:
Very fine original condition; trace rubbing to the patina in a few areas (hip bone, shoulder bone, around base); a very fine presentation.