Pair of bronze putti sculptures by Lechesne

This pair of bronze groups is by the 19^th Century French sculptor Auguste Jean-Baptiste Lechesne. Each group is composed of a putto situated within an elaborate multiform composition, the entire ensemble set onto a square bronze base. The putti allegorise the hunt: one putto sounds a horn, while the other holds a hooded falcon.

The putto who holds the falcon stands nude in contrapposto, his right hand braced against his hip, his left hand holding aloft a falcon, and his head tilted back, eyes raised to the sky. Around him, intricately cast forms allude to the hunt: there is a horn, armour, and another hunting falcon, all set amongst finely cast shrubbery.

The putto who blows the horn stands with a similar posture to his companion. He is surrounded by yet more allusions to the hunt: he holds back a hunting dog with his left hand while standing victoriously over the corpse of a slain stag. He, too, is placed within an environment of branches and leaves and other fragments of nature.

The base of the putto with the falcon is signed ‘Ate Lechesne de Caen 1856’.

Putto with bird: Height 50cm, width 40cm, depth 35cm
Putto with horn: Height 46cm, width 42cm, depth 30cm