Sculpture - Group Of Arabian Horses , Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879) ​​​​​​​- Bronze

Important bronze group with brown patina , representing an embrace of two Arabian horses , by the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810 - 1879) .
These are two very specific Arabian horses from Algeria , "Tachiani" for the male, and "Nedjibe" for the mare .
The horses are represented in movement , free , in full courtship .
The work is part of the realistic spirit of the school of nature which , from 1830 to the end of the century , was to experience an immense vogue in France and to which Pierre-Jules Mêne adhered with Rosa Bonheur , Jules Dupré and Brascassat , who were his friends .
Signature of the sculptor "P.J.MÊNE" in hollow , on the naturalist oval terrace , richly chiseled and decorated .
Antique edition sculpture , period second half of the 19th century , circa 1870 .
Very good state of conservation and patina .

Dimensions : 32.8 cm x 53.8 cm

The series of horses is one of the strongest in the collection of Pierre-Jules Mêne .
It begins in 1837 with the "Percheron Horse" or the "Old Breton Horse", refused at the Salon that year and ends in 1877 with the "Horse with palm tree" .

Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879)

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

He is considered to be 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, like Antoine-Louis Barye , Auguste Caïn , Pierre Louis Rouillard and , later , François Pompon .

P.J Mêne specialized in small bronzes, and did not produce work for public statuary .
His animal subjects have enjoyed great popular success .
Exclusive publisher of his works , the perfection of his productions is widely recognized .
He reveals himself , with Antoine-Louis Barye , as the one whose success has been the most constant , and this over the longest period .

Pierre - Jules Mêne appears to be one of the best wax practitioners of his time .