Deense dog before 1904

This bronze sculpture of a Danish dog was made by George Gardet sometime between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's fascinating how Gardet captured the weight and presence of this animal. I’m really drawn to the surface texture; it looks almost like a painting. The green patina has this mottled, uneven quality. I can imagine Gardet building up the form in clay, leaving traces of his hands, and then the bronze casting process would have added another layer of chance and variation. Look at the dog’s paws, resting so confidently on the base. There’s this tension between stillness and potential energy, as if it could spring to life at any moment. This piece reminds me of the work of other animaliers like Rosa Bonheur, who brought so much observation and empathy to their animal sculptures. Ultimately, this dog seems to invite a similar kind of quiet contemplation.