Bronze Sculpture After Pierre-jules Mêne - "valet De Limier" - Napoleon III
Bronze Sculpture after Pierre-Jules Mêne - "Valet de Limier" (The Hound Handler) - Napoleon III
An important figurative bronze sculpture depicting a young hunter (or valet) in period attire, walking a scent hound (limier) on a leash as he follows the trail of prey.
The work is the celebrated masterpiece by the master Pierre-Jules Mêne (Paris, 1810–1879), one of the most important and influential French sculptors of the 19th-century “Animalière” movement.
The original composition, presented at the Paris Salon, masterfully blends human anatomy with extraordinary naturalistic sensitivity in portraying the hunting dog in a dynamic, searching posture.
Iconographic and Structural Details
* The Hunter: Depicted in finely detailed hunting attire, with high boots, a hunting cap, and a hunting bag at his side filled with game (birds). His left arm firmly holds the whip (or riding crop) behind his back, while his right hand holds the dog’s leash.
* The Hound: The dog is depicted leaning forward with its muzzle to the ground, perfectly capturing the animal’s kinetic tension and concentration while tracking.
* Base: It rests on a finely chiseled, naturalistic oval base depicting simulated woodland terrain.
Technical Specifications for the Listing
* Title of the Work: Valet de Limier (also known as Hunter with Dog / The Bloodhound Handler)
* Model’s Creator: The work is unmarked—after Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810–1879)
* Material: Bronze
* Patina: Dark/brown patina with natural, period-appropriate shading and metallic highlights
* Period: Late 19th century / Early 20th century
* Style: French Animalist School (Courant Animalier)
* Condition: Good overall condition; the bloodhound’s tail is missing (see detailed photos); original patina with slight and charming signs of aging that attest to its era and authenticity. Solid construction and very well-defined details.
* Dimensions: height 63 cm – base 44 x 27.5 cm
An important figurative bronze sculpture depicting a young hunter (or valet) in period attire, walking a scent hound (limier) on a leash as he follows the trail of prey.
The work is the celebrated masterpiece by the master Pierre-Jules Mêne (Paris, 1810–1879), one of the most important and influential French sculptors of the 19th-century “Animalière” movement.
The original composition, presented at the Paris Salon, masterfully blends human anatomy with extraordinary naturalistic sensitivity in portraying the hunting dog in a dynamic, searching posture.
Iconographic and Structural Details
* The Hunter: Depicted in finely detailed hunting attire, with high boots, a hunting cap, and a hunting bag at his side filled with game (birds). His left arm firmly holds the whip (or riding crop) behind his back, while his right hand holds the dog’s leash.
* The Hound: The dog is depicted leaning forward with its muzzle to the ground, perfectly capturing the animal’s kinetic tension and concentration while tracking.
* Base: It rests on a finely chiseled, naturalistic oval base depicting simulated woodland terrain.
Technical Specifications for the Listing
* Title of the Work: Valet de Limier (also known as Hunter with Dog / The Bloodhound Handler)
* Model’s Creator: The work is unmarked—after Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810–1879)
* Material: Bronze
* Patina: Dark/brown patina with natural, period-appropriate shading and metallic highlights
* Period: Late 19th century / Early 20th century
* Style: French Animalist School (Courant Animalier)
* Condition: Good overall condition; the bloodhound’s tail is missing (see detailed photos); original patina with slight and charming signs of aging that attest to its era and authenticity. Solid construction and very well-defined details.
* Dimensions: height 63 cm – base 44 x 27.5 cm
1 300 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Napoleon 3rd
Condition: Condition of use
Material: Bronze
Height: cm. 63
Reference (ID): 1835831
Availability: In stock
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