Bronze Sculpture By Jules Moigniez Depicting A Pheasant

A bronze sculpture with a nuanced brown patina depicting a pheasant perched on a rocky mound adorned with foliage, signed J. Moigniez on the base. The exceptionally fine chasing delicately renders the details of the plumage, the tension of the legs, and the elegance of the silhouette. The balanced and naturalistic composition rests on an oval base of veined marble, emphasizing the decorative character of the piece. A student of Paul Comoléra, Jules Moigniez (1835–1894) established himself as one of the leading figures of French animal sculpture in the second half of the 19th century. Specializing in animal subjects—particularly birds and hunting scenes—he exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon from 1855 onward. His works, cast in bronze using high-quality castings, are now sought after for the naturalistic precision of their modeling and the richness of their patinas.