French school (late 19th century) STANDING DOG bronze signed: on base, Dubucand H4 1/4" W4" D2" *Artist biography: born in Paris, France on November 25, 1828. He was a proficient Animalier sculptor producing extremely well modeled groups of animals and equestrian subjects. Dubucand studied art under Lequien and was also a student of the master, Antoine Louis Barye. His casts have exceptional detail and finish to them. A few of his bronzes are patinated in the multi colored style favored by his teacher Barye and may have been cast in Barye's own studio. Dubucand's sculptures are modeled in a very realistic way with many of his subjects appearing to be almost alive. His attention to detail without being over romantic and his ability to capture movement rather than just a frozen portrait of his subjects sets him apart from many of those in the Animaliers school. Dubucand made his debut at the Salon of 1867 with a wax model of a Dead Pheasant. He continued exhibiting at the annual Salons with great success until 1883. Many of his initial submissions to the Salon were of wax models and then after they were successful he would resubmit them again in following years, but this time cast in bronze. Dubucand was fascinated by the people and animals of North African and successfully captured many scenes of wild and domestic animals of that area. His interest in the nomadic peoples of North Africa is reflected in his masterfully executed and detailed portraits and equestrian groups of the African nomads.