After ANTONIN AIGON (France, 1837-1885) "Le rat et l`Huître". Gilded bronze and marble pedestal. Signed. Measurements: 9 x 8 x 11 cm. During the nineteenth and twentieth century the 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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