Auguste-Nicolas Cainartist • sculptorParijs 1821-1894

After working for his father in the butcher shop, sculptor and medalist Auguste-Nicolas Cain was educated by two animal sculptors. He refined his technique and portrayal by drawing animals in the zoo of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. In the 1940s he worked for goldsmiths and famous jewelers like Christofle. From 1846 Cain exhibited small animal sculptures at the Paris Salon, which stand out for their true-to-life and characterful portrayal. Later he also created monumental animal groups for the public space. He entered into a partnership with the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mène, whose daughter he married in 1852. He owned his own foundry to make his sculptures in bronze. In addition to sculptures, Cain also made utensils such as cigarette boxes, bookends and candle holders, decorated with animal motifs.