Exceptional Matched Pair of Monumental Bronze Groups by Nicolas Caïn (1821 à 1894)

An exceptional and museum quality matched pair of large format bronze groups by Auguste Nicolas Caïn (1821 to 1894), the undisputed master of the French animalier school and the sculptor behind the monumental feline groups that still dominate the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris today.

The two groups, Lionne apportant un paon à ses petits (Lioness Carrying a Peacock to Her Cubs) and Lionne au marcassin (Lioness with a Young Wild Boar), form one of the most celebrated pendant compositions in 19th century French sculpture, conceived by Caïn as companion pieces and cast here in the large format by the prestigious Susse Frères Éditeurs Paris, the foremost bronze foundry of the 19th century, established in 1758.

What elevates this pair to exceptional status is the survival of the original Susse Frères bronze edition plaque on the boar group, inscribed "LIONNE AU MARCASSIN / N° 1 / SUSSE FRÈS", confirming this as the first cast of this model in the large edition. The retention of a numbered première épreuve plaque after 150 years is extraordinarily rare and provides unimpeachable documentation of priority and provenance that serious collectors and institutions demand.

Both groups are signed A. CAÏN incised directly into the bronze terrasse, and both carry the Susse Frès Edts Paris foundry mark. The original dark brown patina with characteristic green undertones is consistent with a 19th century cast and remains untouched, a crucial indicator of authenticity and quality.

The compositions themselves are among Caïn's most powerful. The lioness strides forward with absolute authority, prey gripped in her jaws, as her cubs scramble eagerly at her feet, a scene of raw maternal instinct rendered with extraordinary anatomical precision and sculptural drama. Monumental versions of both subjects stand permanently in the public gardens of Paris. Copies of the peacock group are held in Central Park in New York and in Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow.

A once in a generation opportunity to acquire a documented, matched, large format pair by the greatest animalier sculptor of the 19th century.