Sculpture - English Spaniel , "medor" By Pierre-jules Mêne (1810–1879) - Bronze

A rare bronze cast with a brown patina , depicting the portrait of the English Spaniel "Medor" (oval terrace version) , by the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810–1879) . 
Model created around 1846 by the sculptor , exhibited at the Salon under number "2204".
This work is the companion piece to the "French Spaniel (FABIO)".
Bronze listed in the catalog raisonné of Pierre-Jules Mêne , edited by Michel Poletti and Alain Richarme , page 108 . 
The dog is depicted in the midst of a hunt , its body low and stretched forward , perfectly capturing the moment when the animal sniffs out game .
Its front legs are firmly planted on the ground , while its body stretches out in a dynamic diagonal line .
Its tail is held straight and horizontal , extending the line of its spine , which emphasizes the effect of concentration .
Its coat is faithful to the realistic precision of Pierre - Jules Mêne , the rendering of the English Spaniel’s long , dense , and slightly wavy coat (particularly on the tail , legs, and ears) is executed with great finesse in the chiseling , subtly catching the light .
Pierre-Jules Mêne is considered one of the pioneers and greatest masters of small-scale animal sculpture in the 19th century .
He owned his own foundry in Paris , which allowed him to meticulously control the quality of the chiseling and the nuanced brown patinas characteristic of his creations .
In the work of Pierre - Jules Mêne , the dog is the beloved and cherished animal , studied and depicted more than any other .
While hunting is the central theme of his work , the dog is its defining element par excellence .
In animal sculpture , P.J. Mêne is the artist who has left us the greatest number of canine works , all perfectly rendered in a realistic style and depicted with an artistic authenticity and anatomical precision that will stand the test of time .      
Bronze sculpture resting on a naturalistic base imitating a forest floor , enriched with abundant decoration of branches and ferns , bearing the sculptor’s signature "P.J.MÊNE".                                                                               
Antique sculpture , dating from the second half of the 19th century .          
In perfect condition with excellent patina .

Dimensions : 16 cm x 29.4 cm x 13.7 cm

Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810–1879)

Pierre-Jules Mêne was a French animal sculptor, born on March 25 , 1810 , in Paris , where he died on May 20 , 1879 .

He is considered one of the leading figures in 19th-century animal sculpture .
Pierre-Jules Mêne produced numerous animal sculptures, which were particularly popular during the Second Empire , alongside Antoine - Louis Barye , Auguste Caïn , Pierre Louis Rouillard , and later, François Pompon .

P.J. Mêne specialized in small-scale bronzes and did not produce any works for public sculpture.
His animal subjects enjoyed immense popular success .
As the exclusive publisher of his own works , the perfection of his productions is widely recognized .
Along with Antoine-Louis Barye , he stands out as the artist whose success was the most consistent , and over the longest period of time .

Pierre-Jules Mêne stands out as one of the finest practitioners of his time .