Albéric Collin

Private collection, United Kingdom

Albéric Collin devoted his artistic career to sculpting animals in the Zoological Gardens of his native city of Antwerp. He studied at the well-known Academy there and early on in his career was fortunate to meet the famous Italian sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti. They often worked together at the Antwerp Zoo and Bugatti was to exert a considerable influence on the younger sculptor. Rather than attempting to replicate the detailed anatomical accuracy of the 19th century animalier sculptors, Collin sought to concentrate on the overall form and movement of the animal. His sculptures are notable for their dynamic modelling and graceful, stylised compositions.