A Christofle Trophy Group of Cattle by Pierre Louis Rouillard

PIERRE LOUIS ROUILLARD (FRENCH, 1820–1881)Trophy Group of Cattle, c. 1870Sterling silver over bronze, on rouge marble and ormolu base13 ½ × 16 ½ × 11 ½ in.Signed "CHRISTOFLE & CIE" Commissioned by France’s Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, this exceptional trophy represents the height of 19th-century French craftsmanship. The silvered bronze cattle group was modeled by Pierre Louis Rouillard, professor at the École des Beaux-Arts and sculptor of major works at the Opéra de Paris, Palais du Louvre, and throughout Istanbul. Cast and mounted by the distinguished silversmiths Christofle & Cie, it celebrates agricultural excellence with remarkable anatomical precision and artistic finesse.