Animal Statues and Sculptures: Lions, Horses, Eagles and More
Animals are among the oldest subjects in sculpture. For centuries lions have guarded gates and staircases, horses have stood for strength and movement, and eagles for vision. Today animal statues adorn driveways, gardens, hotel lobbies and living rooms, as well as trade fair stands and event spaces.
Barockgrosshandel offers animal sculptures in every size: small bronzes on marble bases, life size horses and pairs of lions, and XXL pieces more than four metres tall. Materials include bronze, stainless steel, fibreglass, resin and porcelain. Prices for the examples shown range from about €750 to around €35,000.
Popular subjects: lions, horses, eagles and exotic animals
The lion statue is the classic guardian. Placed in pairs on either side of a gate, staircase or portal, it looks stately and symmetrical. Lying lions suit pillars and walls, while seated lions belong on plinths beside the entrance.
A horse statue conveys movement: rearing, galloping or standing calmly. Life size horses are striking on lawns, stud farms and wine estates. Eagles with outstretched wings look particularly dynamic and are well suited to columns and tall plinths.
Giraffes, cows, hippos, geese and fantasy figures such as the unicorn add further variety. These subjects are often painted and bring a touch of humour to gardens, hotel halls and events. Human figures and classical statues are presented on our page about garden statues.
Materials: bronze, stainless steel, fibreglass and porcelain
Bronze is the noblest material for animal sculptures. Fur, mane and feathers can be cast in fine detail. Bronze is frost proof and lasts outdoors for generations. Read more about casting, patina and care on our page about bronze sculptures.
Polished stainless steel allows very large, contemporary sculptures. Built from many individual parts, it appears light thanks to its reflections. Fibreglass and resin are lighter than metal and can be painted freely, which is why life size giraffes, cows and black and gold lions are often made from them. See our fibreglass and resin sculptures.
Porcelain is reserved for interiors. Handmade groups, such as racehorses in full stride, belong in a display cabinet, a library or on a mantelpiece.
Life size and XXL animal sculptures outdoors
Life size animal statues need distance to make their impact. A horse sculpture 1.60 m tall looks natural on a large meadow, while an XXL piece of three to four and a half metres becomes the landmark of a property. Plan the sculpture from the main viewpoint, such as the terrace, the drive or the entrance.
With XXL figures, look at the surroundings. Trees, buildings and paths set the scale. A giraffe over three metres tall needs open space, and a rearing steel horse a calm backdrop against which its silhouette stands out. At night, ground spotlights turn the sculpture into a landmark visible from the road.
Pairs of lions at a driveway should be in proportion to the gate and pillars. As a guide, the figure can be a third to half the height of the pillar. In a garden, animal sculptures look especially lively near water, by a pond or beside garden fountains.
Installation, weight and weather
Bronze figures are heavy. A life size horse or a large pair of lions can weigh several hundred kilograms. They need a level foundation laid below the frost line and an anchor in the plinth.
Fibreglass sculptures are much lighter but offer a large surface to the wind. Outdoors they must be bolted to the ground or secured with weights. In winter, protect painted figures with a breathable cover or store them indoors.
Stainless steel does not rust and needs little care. A damp cloth removes dust and limescale. Clean bronze with clear water and protect it with wax once a year. Large pieces arrive on pallets and are moved into place with a pallet truck, forklift or crane, so a firm path to the site helps considerably.
Animal sculptures for hotels, events and homes
In hotel lobbies, restaurants and clubs, animal sculptures create a distinctive accent. A golden lion at the bar, a hippo in the lounge or a unicorn at reception quickly becomes a signature feature. Our page on hotel furnishings shows matching furniture for such spaces.
For events, trade fairs and shop windows, lightweight fibreglass figures are popular. They can be moved with a pallet truck and used again and again. At home, smaller bronze animals work on a console, sideboard or desk, ideally on a marble base with directed light. Check the load capacity of floors and furniture, as an 80 cm bronze can weigh 30 kg or more.
Combining animal statues with style
An animal statue should suit the architecture. In front of a classical façade with columns and a grand staircase, bronze lions and eagles on plinths look right. A modern building of glass and concrete is better matched by polished steel horses or sleek black figures with gold details.
Calm animals such as lying lions or grazing horses suit wide lawns. Dynamic subjects such as rearing horses or eagles taking off need a quiet backdrop, such as a hedge or a wall. When using several figures, a shared material ties entrance and garden together, while mixed materials in a small space can look restless.
Animal statues from Barockgrosshandel
We supply retailers, hotels, event agencies, landscape and interior designers as well as private customers. Delivery is kerbside.
The full selection is in our animal figures category. For an overview of further interiors, visit our page on baroque and luxury furniture.
Matching pieces from our range
View all items in Animal Figures
Frequently asked questions
Which material is best for animal statues in the garden?
Bronze and stainless steel are the most durable and are frost proof. Fibreglass is light and colourful but needs secure anchoring and protection in winter. Porcelain belongs indoors.
How heavy is a life size horse statue?
In bronze, a life size horse usually weighs several hundred kilograms. In fibreglass it is many times lighter. Both need a level, firm base.
How do I place a lion statue at a driveway?
Lion statues usually stand in pairs on plinths or pillars on each side of the gate. They should be firmly anchored and in proportion to the height of the pillars.
Can fibreglass animal sculptures stay outside?
In summer, yes, provided they are secured against wind. In winter they should be covered or stored so that paint and surface stay in good condition.
How do I care for a bronze animal figure?
Clean it with clear water and a soft brush. A thin layer of wax once a year protects the patina. Harsh cleaners and metal polish are unsuitable.
Are animal sculptures suitable for events and trade fairs?
Yes. Lightweight fibreglass and resin figures are easy to transport and can be reused. Large exotic animals such as giraffes or hippos draw attention.
Do you supply animal sculptures to retailers and hotels?
Yes. Barockgrosshandel supplies retailers, hotels, agencies and private customers. Delivery is kerbside.