Isidore-Jules Bonheur

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The original reigns have come loose at the right hand of the leading jockey and the left hand of the second one. There is some greening to the reign of the second horse. The proper right hind leg of the second horse has a small square repair and there is a small scratch at the left haunch of the leading horse. The base is slightly dented at the back right corner.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Isidore-Jules Bonheur came from an exceptional family of artists. He first trained under his painter father, Raymond Bonheur, before developing a talent for modelling. As an animalier he followed in the footsteps of his celebrated older sister Rosa Bonheur who was an internationally famous artist and personality. Although Isidore has sometimes been in the shadow of his famous sister, his reputation as one of the foremost animalier sculptors of the nineteenth century is undisputed. Both siblings were horse-mad. In their youth the two had played at horse-riding, with Isidore holding a pencil in his teeth by way of a bit.

This group was one of Bonheur's most ambitious compositions, and he meets the challenge victoriously. The horses sweat and strain, thundering over the fence at a thrilling pace.  His characteristic acute observation of nature is infused with vigorous movement as he precisely captures the exhilaration of the steeplechase.

RELATED LITERATURE
T. Stanton, Rosa Bonheur: Reminiscences, London, 1910, pp. 50-7 & 211; Rosa Bonheur, ex. cat. Musée des beaux-arts de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 1997, pp. 21-35;  C. Payne, Animals in Bronze, Woodbridge, 1986, p. 345