Sculpture - Standing Vosges Sheep , Pierre - Jules Mêne (1864) - Bronze

Bronze proof with brown patina, depicting a standing sheep "Vosges Sheep" , by the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1879) . 
The "Vosges Sheep Standing" is one of the two sculptures sent by P.J Mene to the Salon of 1865 . 
It represents a return of the artist to the series of"Pastures" . 
The oldest proofs are dated "1864" , the year of creation of the work .
"The Vosges Sheep Lying Down" was created the following year in 1865 . 
Signature of the sculptor "P.J.MÊNE", followed by the date "1864" in hollow on the naturalistic terrace , richly chiseled , enriched with a profile . 
Rare antique edition sculpture , period second half of the 19th century . 
Perfect state of preservation . 

Dimensions : 20.9 cm x 22.8 cm x 9.8 cm 

Pierre - Jules Mene (1810-1879)

Pierre - Jules Mene , is a French sculptor , born March 25 , 1810 in Paris , city where he died on May 20 1879 .

He is considered to be one of the main representatives of animal sculpture in the 19th century .
Pierre - Jules Mene produced many animal sculptures , particularly in vogue under the Second Empire, like Antoine-Louis Barye , Auguste Caïn , Pierre Louis Rouillard and , later , François Pompon .

P.J Mene specialized in small bronzes, and did not produce work for public statuary .
His animal subjects have enjoyed great popular success .
Exclusive publisher of his works , the perfection of his productions is widely recognized .
He reveals himself , with Antoine-Louis Barye , as the one whose success has been the most constant , and this over the longest period .

Pierre - Jules Mene appears to be one of the best wax practitioners of his time .