Pierre-jules Mène (1810-1879) - Bronze Racing Horse

Hello, I offer you this bronze print, with a nuanced brown patina, representing a racing horse, stallion, by Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879). The "Racehorse", is a work derived from "Jockey on Horseback No. 1" of 1863. It differs from this one by the dimensions of the terrace which are significantly smaller and by the right front leg now placed. The saddle pad is the same but placed in a different position; the harness differs slightly. Bronze signed "PJMÊNE", hollow, on the front of the naturalist terrace, richly chiseled. Old edition bronze, during the sculptor's lifetime, circa 1870. Period second part of the 19th century. Very good state of conservation and patina. Dimensions: 30 cm x 41.2 cm x 13.7 cm Son of a copper turner, Pierre-Jules Mène was born in Paris on March 25, 1810. He quickly helped his father in the chandelier making and torch making workshop. , and it was therefore very young that he was introduced to metal work. Pierre-Jules Mène practiced drawing very early on, he particularly had a predilection for the very great horse painter Horace Vernet (1789-1863). In 1832, he married and left his father's business to make a living from his art, sculpture. In order to meet his needs, Mène will create small models for porcelain manufacturers, which will experience great success under the July Monarchy. At the same time, Mène continued his artistic training with the sculptor René Compaire. At the Jardin des Plantes menagerie, at the Montmartre slaughterhouses as well as at the horse markets, he will study the anatomy of animals, every detail, every muscle. Mène participated in numerous salons from 1838 to 1879. The animal fashion inaugurated by Barye and Fratin allowed him to achieve great success and his commercial success was immense. The sculptor obtained a 1st class medal at the salons of 1852 and 1861 as well as a medal in 1855. His animal subjects enjoyed great popular success and were the subject of numerous editions. Exclusive publisher of his works, the perfection of his fonts is recognized and he reveals himself, with Barye, as the one whose success has been the most constant, over the longest period. While Barye could be called the master of wild animals, Mène is the greatest sculptor of horses, dogs and game. Pierre-Jules Mène knew how to adapt his work to his time, since at this time we were witnessing a revival of hunting with hounds initiated by Prince Philippe d'Orléans as well as that of horse racing. Our bronze: We rarely find this model of which we do not know the exact number of prints; “The racing horse represents a stallion saddled after the race, with its neck tilted towards the ground. The animal seems to be catching its breath after the ordeal. We will notice the exact posture, the powerful musculature, and the care given to every detail: braided mane, lightness of the reins which crisscross, even the veins of the horse out of breath. The patina is superb, very nuanced from red brown to black, in very good condition. Museums: Compiègne (Château) Fontainebleau (Château) Nîmes Paris (Decorative Arts; Carnavalet; Petit Palais). Bibliography: Pierre Kjellberg, Bronzes of the 19th century, Dictionary of sculptors, Les Editions de l'Amateur. Poletti Michel, Richarme Alain, Pierre-Jules Mêne, 1810 - 1879: catalog raisonné, Paris, Univers du Bronze, 2008.