Pierre-jules Mene (1810-1879), Bronze, Cat Playing With A Dead Bird

Bronze after a composition by animal sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne, prized by hunting enthusiasts, of which it is unusual to find a proof on the subject.
Old cast iron print with brown patina, probably 19th century, bearing the signature PJ Mêne, possible workshop work produced during the artist's lifetime then mounted on marble. Referenced F & F1 in the artist's catalog raisonné published in 2007 by Poletti / Richarme.
Dimensions on the bronze terrace 9.3 cm x 3 cm x height 4 cm - with the marble base 11 cm x 5.3 cm x 6 cm high
Small accidents on the marble base and tiny break at the tail of the chat no impact