Sculpture - Pointing Dog , Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879) - Bronze

Bronze proof with brown patina , representing a hunting dog , of the "Setter" breed , by the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879). 
The energy and hunting instinct of the dog are highlighted here .
The dog is shown at a standstill , its senses are alert , it looks attentively at the mass of vegetation , where it detects its prey without even seeing it , thanks to its sense of smell . 
In Mêne's work , the dog is the loved and pampered animal , studied and represented more than all the others. If hunting is the axis of his work, the dog is the constitutive element par excellence .
In animal sculpture , 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 richly chiseled naturalist terrace and decorated with vegetation . 
Sculpture of old edition , period second part of the XIXth century . 
Perfect state of conservation and patina . 

Dimensions : 22 cm x 29 cm x 12 cm

Pierre-Jules Mêne (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 practitioners of his time .