Bronze Lying bird of prey by Albéric Collin (1886-1962)

This remarkable bronze sculpture, titled "Oiseau de proie couché" (Lying Bird of Prey), is a signature work by Albéric Collin (1886-1962), a leading figure in Belgian animalier sculpture and a prominent member of the Antwerp School. Collin, who spent countless hours observing wildlife at the Antwerp Zoo alongside Rembrandt Bugatti, offers here a powerful interpretation of an eagle at rest. Eschewing traditional heraldic poses, the artist captures the raptor in a moment of grounded mass, emphasizing its raw strength through vigorous, impressionistic modeling.

The surface treatment is quintessential Collin: visible tool marks and the tactile energy of the original clay model are preserved, allowing light to play across the form. This piece features a high-quality lost-wax (cire perdue) casting by the renowned Rocher Paris foundry. It is a posthumous edition, numbered 1/8, ensuring both its rarity and exceptional finish. The green patina, layered with darker nuances, beautifully enhances the textured feathers and the bird's heavy, powerful silhouette.

Set upon an integral bronze base, this work demonstrates Collin's unique ability to instill psychological depth and vitality into his animal subjects. Measuring 38 cm in width, this bronze is a significant acquisition for collectors of 20th-century animalier art, seamlessly blending the excellence of Parisian foundry tradition with the modern artistic vision of the Belgian master.