Lion c. 1880

Editor: This bronze sculpture, "Lion," created around 1880 by Rosa Bonheur, has such incredible textural detail! It feels so lifelike, capturing this raw energy, this sense of animal power and I wonder – what do you see when you look at this work? Curator: Immediately, I'm drawn to the bronze itself. Think of the process: the mold, the pouring, the labor involved in creating this textured surface. This wasn't some abstract idea; it was physical work by Bonheur and likely others. It highlights the fascinating dialogue between art and industry in the 19th century. Where did she source the materials, who helped cast it, and how did the consumption habits shape the desire for animal sculptures like this? Editor: So you are focusing on the artistic labor that was necessary to shape it, even though animal sculptures were popular at that time. Is that correct? Curator: Exactly. And the work required goes beyond simply artistry. Consider the social context. Bonheur was an unconventional artist who gained fame painting animals, challenging the accepted norms for women at the time. Did the prevailing view on class have an influence on animal sculpting, or, in contrast, was it the popular taste of art collectors that affected sculpting? What power dynamics might be at play here in representing such a ‘wild’ subject matter in such a material and controlled medium? Editor: That makes me think about the detailed textures in this piece! The process to render fur with bronze has a lot to say, which reveals and transforms so much. Thank you. Curator: Absolutely. Seeing how materials, labor, and social context intersect transforms how we view this powerful sculpture. A real look behind the curtain.