Dead Partridge - Pierre-jules Mene 1810-1879 Mêne

Period 1850 for the head model Origin France School French School of Animal Sculpture Dimensions Length: approx. 10.4 cm Height: approx. 2.9 cm Width: approx. 4.8 cm Weight: 192 gr Signature on the front of the terrace Dated
The partridge is very present in the work of Pierre-Jules Mêne, however it always enters a group: it is chased, chased, caught up, either in the mouth of a dog...
To do justice to this bird without which the sculptor could not indulge in hunting, he made a small partridge alone (actually taken from the group La Chasse à la Perdrix) and a dead partridge, under form of paperweight. This small object immediately met with great success with a hunting enthusiast public. These small bronzes in the form of paperweights were very popular with the bourgeoisie, and depending on their theme either reflected the passion (for hunting) of its owner or betrayed a fashion effect. Finely chiselled, as if thrown there and abandoned immediately after being removed from the game trap, this lifeless partridge reminds the hunter of the delights of hunting and gastronomy (Try a partridge with oyster mushroom and Riesling sauce or with cream accompanied by a green salad with saffron rice…!). From 1850, this little paperweight was very popular. Pierre Jules Mêne edited it himself then, on his death, his daughter Julie and his son-in-law the animal sculptor Auguste Caïn continued the highly requested edition of this little dead partridge.
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