Set of Three Silvered Bronze Ducks — French Work, Circa 1970

This delightful set of three silvered bronze ducks exemplifies the enduring tradition of French animalier sculpture — that distinctly French speciality in which the naturalistic rendering of animals in metal was elevated to a refined art form. Composed of one adult duck and two ducklings of diminishing size, the group presents a charming family scene: each figure stands with its head raised and beak open in an alert, calling pose, giving the composition an air of vivid movement and natural spontaneity.

The chiselling is of a high standard throughout, with careful attention given to the rendering of feather texture — the overlapping plumage is worked with fine, repetitive chisel marks that catch the light and give the surfaces an animated quality quite unlike the smoother finish of cast sculpture alone. The silvered patina, applied over the bronze, imparts a cool, pewter-like lustre that is at once elegant and suited to a variety of interior settings.

French animalier sculpture enjoyed a particularly fertile period during the 1970s, when craftsmen revisited the 19th-century tradition of Barye, Mène, and their contemporaries in a more accessible register intended for domestic decoration. Sets of birds — ducks, herons, pheasants — were a favourite subject, combining sculptural interest with an affectionate naturalism that resonated with collectors seeking warmth and personality in their decorative objects.

Displayed as a group on a console, a mantelpiece, or a low table, this trio creates an immediate impression of charm and animation. The three pieces may equally be displayed individually, and each duck is available for separate purchase, offering flexibility to collectors who wish to build or complement a personal ensemble.