French Georges Malissard was an animal sculptor best known for his fine equestrian work, in particular, his sculptures of galloping polo players, and for his multiple equestrian statues of personalities of the time, including that of Marshal Foch Cassel, a copy of which was built in London in 1930 in Grosvenor Gardens. Malissard’s family expected him to have an industrial career, but his passion for riding, horses and sculpture decided otherwise. During his military service he also served in a cuirassier regiment. He then specialized in equestrian scenes, but also sculpting many other animals, including lynx, Asian elephants, deer, and wild boars. Malissard was a member of the Société des Artistes français and participated in its exhibitions since 1908. In 1933 he was appointed a Knight of the Legion d’Honneur. There are at least two bronze statues of polo players by Malissard. One shows a player who is up to a strike. It is available in sizes 41 x 36 and 52 x 45.5 cm. The other one shows a polo player on a walking horse, allegedly a portrait of the Belgian King Albert I, with a size 59.5 x 45 cm.
France