Attributed to Nikolai Lieberich Cast Iron Figure of a Lying Russian Bear

Description

Attributed to Nikolai Lieberich Cast Iron Figure of a Lying Russian Bear.

A finely modelled cast iron sculpture of a lying Russian bear, attributed to Nikolai Ivanovich Lieberich. The animal is shown stretched out in a relaxed pose, with one forepaw extended and the head turned slightly to the side. The textured modelling of the fur, expressive head and naturalistic posture reflect the strong animalier tradition associated with 19th-century Russian sculpture.

The figure is cast in iron with a dark burnished surface and is mounted on a profiled wooden base. The sculpture is unsigned, therefore the attribution to Nikolai Lieberich should be treated as traditional or probable rather than fully confirmed.

Nikolai Ivanovich Lieberich was a Russian animal sculptor active in the 19th century. He studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and was a pupil of Peter Clodt von Jürgensburg. He is especially associated with animal subjects, hunting scenes and Russian sporting sculpture.

Provenance:
Private collection, Homburg/Saar.

Artist:
Attributed to Nikolai Ivanovich Lieberich, St. Petersburg 1828–1883.

Origin:
Russia.

Period:
19th century.

Type:
Animalier sculpture / figure of a bear.

Material:
Cast iron, wood.

Technique:
Casting, burnishing, mounted on a profiled wooden base.

Decoration:
Naturalistically modelled lying Russian bear with detailed textured fur.

Marks:
Unsigned.

Dimensions:
Bear length: 27 cm.
Base: 33 × 19 × 4 cm.

Condition:
Age-related wear, patina, surface marks, rubbing and minor oxidation to the cast iron. The wooden base shows wear, scratches and surface marks. The condition is shown in the photographs.

SKU: 1113.0.5.050626