Charles Valton Biography
Charles Valton (Pau, 1851 – Chinon, 1918) was born in the French Pyrenees and moved to Paris at a young age. Here, he regularly visits the famous Jardin des Plantes, a botanical and zoological garden frequented by numerous animalier artists.
Valton studied at the Académie des Beaux Arts under the guidance of Antoine-Louis Barye and Emmanuel Frémiet, learning the value of detail, sensitivity and the natural representation of animals.
He exhibited at the Paris Salon exhibitions from 1868 to 1914, receiving seven medals. His works also won a gold medal at the World's Fair of 1889 and 1900.
Valton specialized in animal sculpture starting from 188. For him, it was essential to capture the essence of animals, their strength and the emotion that accompanies them, depicting the forms in a pure way.
In 1883 he was appointed professor of sculpture at the Germain Pilon Académie in Paris.
Valton's work includes over 70 animal sculptures, created in very limited editions. Typically, he portrayed larger predators such as felines, but deer, elephants, bears and dogs are also part of his production.
His works can be admired in several museums, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
