A magnificent bronze of a mastiff by Charles Valton. This highly important bronze is 18in. high, in beautiful condition and has a fine patina. The canine is shown chained to a post bearing a notice "Passez au Large", this translates as "Steer Clear" or "Keep Away".

The close up photo of her head shows how she is straining at the collar to get free, this is a really powerfully modelled figure.

For a similar but smaller figure see A BREED APART by William Secord ~ p.177. This figure is in the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB MUSEUM, a gift of Marie A. Moore.

Charles Valton was born in Paris in 1851, he studied under Barye and Fremiet. He first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1868 and in 1875 he received medals for his sculptures and was made a member of the Society of French Artists. He was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honour.

Height 75cm, Width 34cm.