Statuette "The Hound (before the start)"

Renowned for masterfully crafting compelling animal sculptures, French artist Auguste Nicolas Caïn brings to life a captivating narrative in his famous ‘Brillador and Fanfardon’ piece. In this compelling visual telling, two popular hounds, namely Brillador and Fanfardon, are depicted just before the start of a thrilling race. This sculpture is a delicately crafted homage to canine dexterity, agility, and spirit—the embodiment of Auguste Caïn’s profound respect and fascination for animals.

Auguste-Nicolas Caïn (1822— 1894) served his apprenticeship as a wood-carver before being the apprentice of renowned sculpture artist Francois Rud. Although Cain initially sculpted small animals, his portfolio grew to encompass individual figures and large groups of birds of prey and large animals. His remarkable skill and unique ability to expressively capture animals' inherent characteristics positioned him as a premier animal sculptor during his era.

'Brillador and Fanfardon' was an exceptionally popular piece during its time, owing largely to artist Auguste Caïn's devout admiration for dog racing. Cementing the sculpture's popularity, Cain later recreated Brillador, given the character's immense public adoration. This piece resides as part of a larger sculptural composition, a testament to Caïn's profound dedication to replicating the animal kingdom in stone and metal. Expertly sculpted to embody the thrilling anticipation of the race, 'Brillador and Fanfardon' stands as an enduring symbol of Auguste Nicolas Caïn's masterful craftsmanship and artistic genius.