Groupe Chiens Au Repos ( Race Saintongeoise ) Par Pierre - Jules Mène (1810-1879) - Bronze

Bronze group representing two dogs of the Saintongeoise breed by Pierre-Jules Mène .
The group is made up of the French female dog "Bellotte" and the female dog "Chienne de meute avec ses petits", both modeled in 1856 .
The edition of this group was an immediate and lasting success , in particular among amateurs of subjects of hunting and venery .
Period XIX th century .
Signature of sculptor "PJ .MENE" on the oval, naturalistic, richly chiseled terrace .
In a perfect state

Page 126 (CHI 51) , Pierre - Jules Mène - Catalogue raisonné " Michel Poletti " et " Alain Richarme " .

Pierre-Jules Mène (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 .

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 Barye , as the one whose success has been the most constant , and this over the longest period .

Mène appears to be one of the best wax practitioners of his time .