Magnificent bronze sculpture of a lion with its kill. Christophe Fratin was born in Metz, the son of a taxidermist. He began his studies of sculpture under Pioche, was subsequently accepted as a student under Gericault, whose impasto technique was central to many of Fratin's animalier sculptures. Fratin was prolific and widely accepted during his lifetime, receiving private commissions, awards of exhibitions including several for public places in Paris. In 1851, at the Great Exhibition in England, he was awarded a medal as the greatest animal sculptor of his time. Size: 22 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 13 1/2 in