Rare Brown Patinated Bronze Box Bear Signed Fratin

Rare box in brown patinated bronze representing on the lid a bear lying down scratching its paw. Signed Fratin. He first studied drawing in Metz then worked in Paris in Géricault's studio. Perhaps it was the latter who instilled in him a taste for animals, because his career was entirely devoted to them. Fratin received several commissions from the State, including several groups intended for the botanical garden and the esplanade of his hometown, Metz. At the Universal Exhibition of 1851 in London, he was considered the greatest animal sculptor of the time. His works are featured in several foreign museums, including the Wallace Collection in London. He also has many statuettes and small bronze groups, highly appreciated for their realism and vigor.