A Christofle Trophy Group of Cattle by Pierre Louis Rouillard

PIERRE LOUIS ROUILLARD (FRENCH, 1820–1881)
Trophy Group of Cattle, c. 1870
Sterling silver over bronze, on rouge marble and ormolu base
13 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.