Animalier sculptures by John Willis Good (British,1845 - 1879)

Considering that the British have long been regarded as a nation of animal-lovers it is somewhat surprising that comparatively little Animalier sculpture was produced in the United Kingdom. There was a demand for the new sculpture movement that had become very substantial and a highly lucrative trade was established with the import of French bronzes into Britain. To this end, many of the French Animaliers pandered to the British market by sculpting Derby winners and Scottish cattle. Despite this there are a few examples of British Animalier sculptors who were at work in the 19th Century. Outstanding among them is the charismatic figure of John Willis Good who exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1870 and 1878. Little is known about him except that he specialised in bronze and terracotta statuettes of race-horses, hunters and dogs. During the nine year period in which he exhibited at the Royal Academy he showed some sixteen statuettes of race-horses and jockeys. Many of Willis Good's bronzes were produced in pairs and the two hunting bronzes on the following page admirably demonstrate the skill and authenticity of his work, as well as being well balanced they make an excellent pair of highly decorative and sought after bronzes.

2854
Hunter at Rest

By John Willis Good