A French silvered bronze model of a group of pigs by Christofle et Cie, Paris, after Pierre-Louis Rouillard (1820-1881) circa 1870

depicting pigs in a pen on a rectangular rouge griotte marble base mounted with a rectangular presentation plaque with laurel leaves on paw feet, the base signed Christofle et Cie

Purchased by the present owner Sotheby's, Paris, 18th April 2012, lot 60.

In overall good conserved condition. There was possibly formerly an inscription on the tablet of the base. The marble base has been restored and there is a small chip near the restoration which is not too noticeable. The silver is slightly tarnished and would benefit from a light clean.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Agricultural competitions were instituted around 1860 by Napoleon III to stimulate agriculture and awards were given every five years. A competition was held amongst silversmiths to provide prizes for farmers and stockmen. This sculpture was almost certainly one such prize for an unknown recipient as there is no inscription on the presentation plaque. 

The French sculptor Pierre-Louis Rouillard (1820-1881), celebrated for his many studies of animals cast in a variety of materials, is probably best known for his 'Cheval à la herse,' a monumental iron sculpture of a rearing stallion, startled at the sight of an overturned plough. This piece was executed for the Exposition Universelle, Paris, 1878. Rouillard collaborated with several famous architects of the day, including Jacques-Félix Duban (1798-1870), Hector-Martin Lefuel (1810-1880) and Jean-Antoine-Gabriel Davioud (1824-1881), producing work to adorn the Louvre, the Paris Opera and other public buildings.  Although the bulk of Rouillard's output was on a monumental scale, he produced a significant number of models of animals and related figures for Christofle, of which the present example is a variation of his 'La Porcherie,' exhibited at the Exposition Universelle 1878.