VALTON, Charles - b. 1851 Pau, d. 1918 Paris

French sculptor. He was a student of both Antoine-Louis Barye and Emmanuel Frémiet, capturing the finest points of both masters. From Barye, Valton learned the importance of detail and definition of his subjects and from Frémiet he received the sensitivity and ability to project his subjects in a natural state. From the age of fifteen Valton spent much of his time at the Jardin des Plantes with Barye and Fremiet who were both directors at that famous Paris zoological garden.

Valton exhibited over seventy models at the Paris Salon from 1868 until 1914 winning several medals. In 1883 he became Professor of sculpture at the Germain Pilon School and in 1906 Valton received the Cross of the Légion d’Honneur. He is best known for his models of the big cats as well as for using a mixture of materials in his sculpture such as white marble to depict snow or the use of granite as a base for his animals.

Chained Mastiff

Valton was known for his big cats but probably his most famous work is the Chained Mastiff dog. The model was exhibited at the Salon and won much praise. It was a popular piece and was cast in several sizes, from a small desk top version up to an almost life size bronze. The present bronze is one of the larger versions and is very finely detailed.