Bronze Group , Saintongeois Dogs At Rest , Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879)

Bronze group representing two resting hunting dogs , of the "Saintongeoise" breed , by the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879).
The edition of this group , produced around 1857 , achieved immediate and lasting success , particularly among lovers of hunting and venery subjects .
In Mêne's work , the dog is the beloved and pampered animal , studied and represented more than all others .
If hunting is the axis of his work , the dog is the constitutive element par excellence .
In animal sculpture , P.J.Mêne is the artist who left us the most models of canids , all perfectly treated in a realistic manner , and represented with an artistic truth and an anatomical rigor which will not weaken over the years .
Signature of the sculptor "P.J.MÊNE" in hollow , on the naturalist terrace , richly chiseled and decorated with plants .
Sculpture of old edition , period second part of the XIXth century .
Perfect state of conservation and patina .

Dimensions : 25.5 cm x 44 cm x 20 cm

Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879)

Pierre - Jules Mêne is a French sculptor , born on March 25 , 1810 in Paris , the 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 Mêne 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 Mêne appears to be one of the best wax practitioners of his time .