Bronze Sculpture, "Heron" Signed by Alexandre Léonard (1821–1877)

This antique cast depicts a heron perched on a base with naturalistic details, where the artist’s signature can be found.

Alexandre Léonard was undoubtedly influenced by the work of Barye—one of his teachers, alongside Pierre-Louis Rouillard, at the *École Spéciale de Dessin* in Paris. Like his mentor, he captured the essential nature of each species in his animal studies. In this wading bird, the strength of the long neck and the remarkable span of the wings reveal a keen power of observation. The long legs, reminiscent of a dancer’s, capture a frozen moment—the bird’s cautious, delicate gait as it moves with care, ensuring it does not startle the prey it seeks.

Alexandre Léonard’s gifted naturalism quickly drew attention, leading to his debut at the *Salon de l’Académie* (later known as the *Salon des Artistes Français*) in 1852. Until 1873, he exhibited small-scale animal groups there, crafted in patinated wax—sometimes silvered—as well as bronze. The original wax model for this piece was among the works he presented in 1859 (alongside “Fox and Partridge” and “Combat of Thrushes”).

This bronze, signed on the base, is in perfect condition.