"return To The Weighing House" By Jules Moignez, A Bronze Sculpture From The Late 19th Century

A rare bronze cast dating from the late 19th century, set on an oval pedestal with naturalistic decoration simulating a grassy, earthen surface in relief and bordered by a moldings integrated into the cast; this bronze depicts a thoroughbred racehorse at rest, all four hooves resting on the ground and its head turned slightly to the right, equipped with a full set of tack (bridle, bit, saddle with stirrups and girth). It is ridden by a jockey seated in the saddle and dressed in traditional racing attire (a cap with a visor, a buttoned jacket, riding breeches, and boots), holding the reins and a riding crop in his right hand. The front of the base features a cartouche engraved with the inscription “Retour au Pesage,” while the right side of the pedestal bears the engraved signature “J. Moignez” (Jules Moignez, 1835–1894). The underside of the coin, lined with green felt that shows wear and missing sections along the edges, reveals a threaded rod and nut assembly in its center.