Albert Pierre Laplanche (1854-1935), Shepherd, C. 1915 / - The Epitome Of The German Shepherd -

Albert Pierre LaPlanche (1854 Sainte-Menehould - 1935 Chäteau-Thierry), Vigilant sitting shepherd dog, around 1915. Brown patinated bronze on cast terrain plinth. 45 cm (height) x 45 cm (length) x 18 cm (width), weight 13.4 kg. Signed “LAPLANCHE” on the plinth, with the foundry stamp “Syndicates des Bronzes Paris” and the foundry abbreviation “B.D”.

- Two casting-related defects on the back and in the neck area, otherwise in excellent condition for its age




- The Epitome of the German Shepherd -


Unusually large for Albert Pierre LaPlanche's oeuvre, this shepherd dog sits in a figure-eight pose with his ears pricked. He gazes intently at something and, although calmly seated, is ready to spring at the next moment. The well defined muscles of the hunting and guard dog are already tensed. LaPlanche has captured the animal's instinctive alertness, while at the same time its gaze announces its obedience, as if it had sat down on command to remain in that position.
In spite of the detailed representation, the artist does not get lost in the details. He takes the dog's nature as his starting point, which gives the animal an admirable natural liveliness. Although not every hair is individually shaped, it seems as if every hair is recognizable, with the fur on the head, neck, body, and tail each having a different quality. Even the musculature, which is already emphasized underneath the fur, can be felt, which is further enhanced by the glazed patina.
It is precisely because of its naturalistic, lively appearance that LaPlanche's work represents the epitome of the shepherd dog.



About the artist

Pierre Albert LaPlanche was a Paris-based animal sculptor who was highly regarded for his lifelike representations. He exhibited his work in the Paris Salon several times between 1893 and 1922. LaPlanche was a member of the Société des Artistes Français, founded in 1881. Many of his works are in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Reims.