Bidspirit auction | Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), 'Jaguar Accroupi

Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), 'Jaguar Accroupi (Petit Modele)', patinated bronze, cast by A.A. Hebrard, No 18/51 10.5 x 19.6 cm. (4.12 x 7.71 in.), Frame: 13.5 x 17.5 cm. (5.30 x 6.88 in.) - Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916), 'Jaguar Accroupi (Petit Modele)', patinated bronze, cast by A.A. Hebrard, No 18/51 Inscribed 'RBugatti', numbered '(18)' and stamped with the foundry mark 'CIRE PERDUE A.A. HEBRARD'. Patinated bronze on the original oak base. Conceived circa 1908 and cast in bronze in a numbered edition of 51. Lot Essay The Italian sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916) had a close and enduring connection with the Antwerp Zoo, which played a defining role in his artistic career. After settling in Antwerp in 1907, he spent countless hours observing the zoo's animals, studying their anatomy, movements, and behaviour with remarkable attention to detail. The zoo became his open-air studio, providing inspiration for many of his most celebrated bronze sculptures. Rather than idealising his subjects, Bugatti sought to capture the individuality and vitality of each animal. His expressive sculptures of elephants, panthers, antelopes, monkeys, and other species are considered masterpieces of modern animal sculpture. Through Bugatti's work, the Antwerp Zoo became closely linked to his artistic legacy and is remembered as the place that inspired many of his celebrated animal sculptures. Bugatti's bond with the zoo was also deeply personal. During the First World War, severe food shortages forced the zoo to euthanise many of its animals. The loss profoundly affected the sculptor, who had come to know many of them through years of observation. This tragedy, together with other personal and financial difficulties, contributed to the depression that preceded his death in 1916. 10.5 x 19.6 cm. (4.12 x 7.71 in.), Frame: 13.5 x 17.5 cm. (5.30 x 6.88 in.) In 1880, Maurice Emile Jean Henri Gevers (1855-1934) married Gabrielle Louise Desiree Grisar (1860-1926). Maurice Gevers was a businessman, director of the Banque de Credit Commercial, and later served as President of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, which manages the Antwerp Zoo. Gabrielle belonged to the influential Grisar family, renowned for its involvement in shipping, international trade, and the economic development of the Port of Antwerp. The couple had two daughters, Helene and Leontine Gevers, who were active in artistic and intellectual circles around the turn of the twentieth century. Helene Gevers was herself a painter who exhibited in Antwerp. The sisters moved in the same artistic milieu as Bugatti during his years in Antwerp (1907-1914). They were among the cultivated Antwerp families who welcomed artists and maintained salons where painters, sculptors, writers, and musicians met. Bugatti was a frequent visitor to their circle. The Gevers sisters offered him friendship and social support at a time when he was otherwise known for being shy and rather solitary. Rembrandt Bugatti gifted the sculpture above to the sisters as a gesture of friendship. The piece has remained in the Grisar family until now. Please note: condition reports are not part of the lot description. To request a condition report, please contact us at info@carlobonte.be .