Compiègne Collection
Discover a collection of pewter hunting figurines where French manufacturing meets the tradition of hunting with hounds. All these pieces are made and painted by hand by the Figurart workshop.
Figurines, miniatures of objects or people, have spanned the ages, playing diverse roles in culture and history. The hunt has become one of the most frequently depicted traditional subjects in the art of toy soldiers. Hounds, riders, huntsmen, and woodland animals are meticulously engraved and painted with precision in the "Compiègne" collection. Lush green forests, peaceful clearings, and winding rivers come to life in this diorama.
The tin chosen for crafting these collector's items allows the artist to sculpt and cast fine and delicate details. This noble metal guarantees durability, ensuring their longevity through generations.
Hunting in the art of figurines
Hunting figurines trace the evolution of hunting and decorative art through the centuries. Their history dates back to the Middle Ages, when hunting was a vital activity for food supply and animal population management. The earliest figurines were rudimentary, carved from wood, stone, or clay, and depicted scenes of game being hunted.
However, from the Renaissance onward, hunting figurines began to spread into homes, particularly with the use of pewter, which allowed for the reuse of molds. With the growing popularity of hunting among the European nobility, the demand for these decorative pieces increased steadily in both quality and quantity. Sculptors specialized in creating chase scenes, highlighting the dynamic movements of the hounds, riders, and often a magnificent stag.
In the 18th century, particularly in France and England, hunting figurines reached their zenith as high-end art objects. Sculpted with remarkable attention to detail, they were often used as decorations in the finest palaces, reflecting the social status and leisure activities of their owners.
During the Victorian period in the 19th century, miniature hunting scenes experienced a renewed popularity, partly due to a growing interest in country life and rural traditions. These pieces were valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical and cultural significance.
In the 20th century, with the advent of new manufacturing techniques and materials, fox hunting figurines continued to evolve into toys resembling lead soldiers. Styles and designs varied, reflecting the artistic trends of the time, but the fascination with these classic pieces remained constant.
Today, hunting figurines are still highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts. They are valuable witnesses to the history of decorative art in Europe, offering a captivating glimpse into this centuries-old tradition.
