A Pointer Bitch 1881 - 1891

Victor Peter modeled this bronze relief of a pointer bitch, sometime before his death in 1918. Peter specialized in animal sculptures, often portraying them with dignity and grace. The bronze plaque, with its rich, warm tones, is made using the lost wax casting method. This involves creating a wax model, coating it in clay, melting out the wax, and then pouring molten bronze into the resulting mold. The sharp details, and smooth surfaces, show Peter’s mastery of the process. Notice the fine musculature of the dog, captured in mid-stride. The choice of bronze also carries cultural significance. Valued for its durability and association with classical sculpture, the use of bronze elevates this image of a working dog to a higher status. Hunting was traditionally associated with aristocratic leisure, and Peter’s sculpture subtly reinforces these class associations. It’s a wonderful example of how material, process, and subject matter combine to create meaning, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.