French or Belgian school; c. 1900. "Monkey". Blued bronze. Signed and with foundry stamp. Measurements: 22.5 x 12.5 x 14 cm. During the nineteenth and twentieth century animal-themed sculpture will finally reach a status of its own, within the context of romantic sculpture. Seeking to break away from the classical sculptural ideal, many artists saw in the animal theme a new way of expression, linked to the emotional and irrational nature, in a purely romantic sense.

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