DESCRIPTION: Isidore-Jules Bonheur (French, 1827-1901). Le Grand Jockey. Cast bronze. Signed I. Bonheur and stamped Peyrol Editeur. Finely chased casting evidenced by detailed coat, mane and veins of horse as well as the rider's jacket. Born in Bordeaux, Bonheur became part of the group known as "Les Animaliers" for their preferred subject matter. Bonheur's most seminal work, Le Grand Jockey, was first exhibited at the 1879 Salon in bronze under the title Un Jockey. He won medals at the Paris Salon in 1865 and 1869, and won the Gold Medal at the Exposition Universelle in 1889. Bonheur was awarded the Legion d' Honneur in 1895. Most of Isidore's bronze sculptures were cast by his brother-in-law's Hippolyte Peyrol foundry. MEASUREMENTS: 23" long x 5-1/2" wide x 24" tall. CONDITION: Evenly patinated overall. Some light rubbing consistent with age.