Bronze Group " Saintongeois Dogs At Rest " , Pierre - Jules Mêne (1810-1879)

Bronze group representing two hunting dogs , of the "Saintongeoise" breed , at rest , by the sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) .
This group made around 1857 , is made up of the French dog "Bellotte" and the dog "Pack dog with puppies" .
The edition of this group was an immediate and lasting success , particularly among lovers of hunting and venery subjects .
Signature of the sculptor "P.J.MÊNE" in hollow , on the naturalist oval terrace , richly chiseled and decorated .
Old edition sculpture , period second half of the 19th century .
Very good state of conservation and patina .

Dimensions : 25 cm x 44 cm

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 .