Rembrandt Bugatti Bronze Sculpture Sets World Record, Selling for €3,678,400 at Bonhams Auction

“Trois panthères marchant” by Rembrandt Bugatti © Bonhams

BY ALBERT CHEN

In a thrilling auction event, a remarkable bronze sculpture by Rembrandt Bugatti has set a new world record in Paris, fetching an impressive €3,678,400 at Bonhams’ Impressionist and Modern Sale on June 5, 2024. The 69-lot auction, which amassed a total of €5,207,738, witnessed fierce bidding for this iconic piece, culminating in enthusiastic applause when the hammer finally fell.

The centerpiece of the auction, Bugatti’s bronze sculpture of three walking panthers, captivated collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Cast by the esteemed founder Adrien-Aurélien Hébrard, this piece stands out not only for its artistic merit but also for its significance in Bugatti’s oeuvre.

Rembrandt Bugatti (1884-1916),
Trois panthères marchant, circa 1905, Bronze, unique cast, Founder Adrien-Aurélien Hébrard
25 x 150 x 22.5 cm
© Bonhams

Bénédicte van Campen, Bonhams’ Senior International Specialist, hailed the sale as a historic moment, stating, “This is the strongest result for a work by Rembrandt Bugatti ever seen at auction. Featured on the cover of the catalogue raisonné of the artist’s work, written by Véronique Fromanger, this unique piece is the most iconic sculpture by the artist, exceptional by its size and its beautiful patina.”

Rembrandt Bugatti, born in 1884, carved a niche for himself in the art world with his extraordinary animal sculptures. His dedication to capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in his meticulous process.

Bugatti often chose exotic animals from the zoos of Paris and Antwerp as his models, introducing species such as yaks, secretary birds, elephants, lions, and kangaroos to European art in a sculpted form for the first time. His approach involved intensive observation, enabling him to create lifelike portraits by capturing each animal’s most expressive gestures.

Panthers, in particular, held a special place in Bugatti’s heart. He described these majestic creatures as “his companions in life and work,” forming a unique bond with them during his frequent visits to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

Unlike humans, he found panthers to be less aggressive and more natural in their behavior, which allowed him to work closely with them, crafting his models in their presence. This deep connection and understanding are palpable in the bronze sculpture that set the record, a testament to Bugatti’s ability to capture the true spirit of his subjects.

Bugatti’s collaboration with Adrien-Aurélien Hébrard, whom he met at the young age of 20, was pivotal in his career. Hébrard not only cast Bugatti’s works but also played a crucial role in promoting them. He exhibited Bugatti’s new creations annually at his gallery on rue Royale in Paris and organized retrospectives every five years.

These exhibitions toured prominent venues across Europe and the United States, including official Salons in Venice, Milan, Brussels, Berlin, Antwerp, and New York, cementing Bugatti’s reputation as a master sculptor.

The unprecedented sale of the bronze panthers highlights the enduring appeal and significance of Bugatti’s work in the art market. Collectors and art historians alike regard his sculptures as masterpieces of naturalistic representation, imbued with a sense of movement and vitality that brings the animals to life.

This particular piece, with its exquisite detail and dynamic composition, exemplifies Bugatti’s exceptional talent and his unique approach to animal sculpture.

As the gavel came down and applause echoed through the auction room, the sale of Bugatti’s bronze panthers not only set a new benchmark for the artist’s work but also reaffirmed the timeless allure of his art.

This momentous event at Bonhams will be remembered as a landmark in the world of art auctions, celebrating the genius of Rembrandt Bugatti and his unparalleled contribution to animal sculpture.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in over 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. It is a global network of auction houses boasting the largest number of international salerooms and offering the broadest range of collecting categories, catering to all price points. Recognized for its bespoke service and dedication to fostering local market relationships, Bonhams enhances its global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams hosts over 1,000 sales annually, spanning more than 60 specialist categories such as fine art, collectibles, luxury items, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

BY ALBERT CHEN

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