Antique French Cast Iron Hunting Plaque — Spaniel With Hare, High Relief, 19th Century

A striking and heavy cast iron relief plaque depicting a hunting spaniel holding a hare, surrounded by an elaborate border of foliage and game. The high relief modeling is exceptional in its detail — the dog's fur texture, the limp form of the hare, and the richly worked botanical border all demonstrate the skill of 19th century French foundry craftsmanship.

The subject matter — the hunting dog with game — was one of the most celebrated motifs in 19th century French decorative arts, closely associated with the Animalier movement popularized by sculptors such as Antoine-Louis Barye. Cast iron hunting plaques of this type were produced for both interior and exterior display, and surviving examples in this condition and detail are increasingly sought after. It is likely this item functioned originally as a decorative fireback.

Acquired in Nice, France.