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 various roles in culture and history. Hunting has established itself as one of the traditional subjects most represented in the crafts of the toy soldier. Hounds, riders, stingers, and wild animals are engraved and painted with meticulousness and precision within the "Compiègne" collection. Lush green forests, peaceful glades, and winding rivers come to life in this diorama.
Tin, chosen for the manufacture of these collector's items, allows the artist to sculpt and cast fine and delicate details. This noble metal is a guarantee of durability, ensuring their longevity through generations.
Hunting in figurine art
Hunting figurines trace the evolution of hunting and decorative art through the centuries. Their history dates back to the Middle Ages, where hunting was a vital activity for food supply and the management of animal populations. The first figurines were rudimentary, carved from wood, stone or clay, and represented scenes of hunting game.
However, from the Renaissance onwards, hunting figurines began to spread in homes, particularly with the use of tin allowing the reuse of molds. With the growing popularity of venery among the European nobility, the demand for these decorative pieces continued to grow in quality and quantity. Artisan sculptors specialize in creating chase scenes, highlighting the dynamic movements of dogs, riders and often a large deer.
In the 18th century, in France and England in particular, hunting figurines with hounds reached their peak as high-end art objects. Carved with remarkable attention to detail, often used as decorations of the most beautiful palaces, testifying to the social status and leisure activities of their owners.
During the Victorian period in the 19th century, hunting miniatures enjoyed renewed popularity, in part due to a growing interest in country life and rural traditions. These pieces were appreciated for their aesthetics, but also for their historical and cultural value.
In the 20th century, with the advent of new manufacturing techniques and materials, hunting figures continued to evolve into toy soldier-like toys. Styles and designs have varied, reflecting the artistic trends of the time, but the fascination with these classic pieces has remained constant.
Today, hunting figurines are still highly sought after by collectors and art lovers. They are precious witnesses to the history of decorative art in Europe, offering a captivating insight into this centuries-old tradition.