René Hérisson, Study Of An Elephant, Graphite And Charcoal On Paper

René Hérisson (1857-1940)
Study of an elephant
Graphite and charcoal on paper
Signed lower right and studio sale stamp
20.5 x 31cm
Provenance: artist's studio

Painter, artist and writer, Hérisson was a student of Louis-Auguste Auguin, Jules Balmette and Louis-Alexandre Cabie. He painted landscapes and tried his hand at sculpture but, a remarkable animal artist, Hérisson is above all appreciated for his drawings taken from life. He regularly sketches animals, particularly at the menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, marvelously capturing the psychology of each animal species. He regularly exhibits at the Salon des Champs-Elysées. Returning to his native land in 1896, he was appointed curator of the Cognac Museum which own a certain number of his works. Under the pseudonym Henri Sorcène, he published poetry and articles in various regional periodicals.