Christophe Fratin: Pioneer of Animalier Sculpture Christophe Fratin (1 January 1801 – 16 August 1864), also known as Christophe Fratin, was a prominent French sculptor in the animalier style—a movement that championed realistic depictions of animals—and one of the earliest sculptors to achieve renown for portraying creatures in bronze. His legacy rests on groundbreaking explorations of anatomy and natural behavior within sculptural form, establishing him as a foundational figure in 19th-century art history. ### Early Life and Artistic Training Born in Metz, Moselle, France, Fratin’s upbrin…