French Spaniel Dog, Bronze (fabio) N 1 Pj Mene - XIXth

Bronze proof, with brown patina, representing the "French Spaniel Dog (Fabio) No. 1", by Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879). The French Spaniel Dog "Fabio" No. 1, is one of the first three models of dogs exhibited by PJ Mêne at the Salon of 1843. Signature of the sculptor "PJMÊNE", in hollow, on the naturalist terrace, richly chiseled. Bronze of old edition, period second part of the 19th century. Very good state of conservation and patina. In the work of Mêne, the dog is the animal loved and pampered, studied and represented more than all the others. If hunting is the axis of his work, the dog is the constitutive element par excellence. In animal sculpture, Mêne is the artist who left us the most models of canids, all perfectly treated in a realistic manner, and represented with an artistic truth and an anatomical rigor that will not weaken over the years. Pierre-Jules Mêne is a French sculptor, considered one of the main representatives of animal sculpture in the 19th century. Pierre-Jules Mêne produced many animal sculptures, particularly in vogue under the Second Empire, on a par with Antoine-Louis Barye, Auguste Caïn, Pierre Louis Rouillard and, later, François Pompon. Mêne specialized in small bronzes, and did not produce works for public statuary. Exclusive publisher of his works, the perfection of his productions is very recognized. He reveals himself, with Barye, as the one whose success has been the most constant, and this over the longest period. Pierre-Jules Mêne appears as one of the best wax practitioners of his time.