“Pointer standing still” bronze Animalier sculpture, early 20th century.

Dark patinated bronze sculpture, Animalier subject depicting a Pointer breed hunting dog in a "standing" position, in French "Chien en Arrêt", in English "Dog on Point".
The Pointer is a breed of British origin specialized in "pen" hunting, the son of noble continental pointers, it adapts to large terrains with typically Nordic harsh climates. Widespread in France, Spain, Italy and Germany, it competes with its ancestors (bracchi) and achieved its first hunting successes after 1800, becoming one of the oldest breeds represented at the service of man. The Pointer has inherited a strong sense of "venacity" and courage, considered by many to be the "pointing" dog par excellence, its ability to point at the prey with the typical pose assumed when it perceives its trace in the vegetation remains a distinctive trait of the race. Elegance and nobility distinguish him in the art of hunting, with powerful, fluid and rapid gaits, his athletic physique with elongated muscles allows him an elastic gallop with his head held high and his proud temperament, however he remains very graceful. The Pointer, as well as many other hunting dog breeds (English Setters, Bracchi, Foxhounds, Spaniels, etc.) boasts an ancient tradition of service alongside man, for these reasons many artists who dedicated themselves to Animal Art and Sporting Art they represented it in painting and sculpture, studying anatomy and creating numerous drawings and sketches to obtain the incisive features of the subjects. Hunting as a source of sustenance and exclusive pastime of High Society created a form of collecting starting from 1830, especially among dog and horse racing enthusiasts. The sculpture is anonymous, of German origin.