Original works of art

Born in Paris on 11th October 1863, Gardet was a pupil of Aime Millet and Fremiet and became one of the more outstanding Animalier sculptors of the late nineteenth century. Both his father, Joseph and brother, Antoine were sculptors of note, though never approaching him in quality or brilliance. Gardet exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1883 and won many prizes and honours, including third and second class medals in 1887 and 1888 respectively, a medal of the Exposition Universelle (1889) and a Grand prix a the Exposition of 1900. He was a member of the Society of French Artists and of the Academy of Fine Arts, being appointed Chevalier in 1896 and Officer in 1900 of the Legion d’Honneur.

Gardet enjoyed tremendous popularity with his animal statuary and although he mainly worked in marble, his works were produced in bronze reductions or were reproduced in Sevres porcelain and many of his sculptures are preserved in museums all over the world.