The present model is almost certainly a study for the seated hound in Cain’s Chiens de meutes (Brillador et Fanfaron), as evidenced by the nearly identical composition of the face and tied rope collar around the dog’s neck. The complete original hound group was one of a pair commissioned by Henri d’Orléans, duc d’Aumale (1822-1897), fifth son of Queen Marie-Amélie and King Louis-Philippe, an avid hunter who hosted many of the grand French royal chases of the 19th century. The life-size example currently preserved at the former residence of the duc d’Aumale, Château de Chantilly, and it is interesting to note that musée Condé, Chantilly, holds in its collection several period photographs of what is almost certainly an example of the present bust entitled ‘Tête de chien de Auguste Cain : saint Hubert’ (inv. PH No 930).