Bronze Signed Pierre Jules Mène And Barbedienne.

An important bronze animal sculpture depicting a horse at rest, standing on a naturalistic base representing uneven ground. The animal is presented in a calm and noble pose, its head slightly turned, reflecting a keen observation of equine behavior. The sculpture is distinguished by its remarkable anatomical accuracy, precise modeling of the musculature, and outstanding chiseling work visible in the treatment of the mane, neck, and limbs. The work rests on a finely textured rectangular base, typical of 19th-century French animal sculptures. The sculpture is signed Pierre Jules MÈNE on the base, and bears the foundry mark: BARBEDIENNE. This piece testifies to a collaboration between the renowned animal sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) and the prestigious Maison Barbedienne, a Parisian art foundry recognized as one of the most important of the 19th century. The bronze displays a nuanced, aged, and even dark brown patina, highlighting the volumes and the quality of the modeling. Period: Model created around 1860-1870. Casting: late 19th century. Technique: Bronze cast using traditional 19th-century methods, with very high quality casting and chasing. Dimensions: • Height: 30 cm • Length: 35 cm. Pierre-Jules Mêne is considered the undisputed master of French animal sculpture. His particularly sought-after depictions of horses illustrate the pinnacle of 19th-century animal naturalism. The castings produced by Maison Barbedienne constitute the highest quality and most sought-after castings on the market, intended from the outset for a bourgeois and aristocratic clientele. This bronze thus combines artistic quality, a major signature and a prestigious foundry, making it a collector's piece of the very first order.