Antique 1880s Pierre-Jules Mêne Whippet & Pekingese Dog Bronze Statuette

Description

Antique bronze statuette from the 1880s by the renowned artist Pierre-Jules Mêne. The statuette, titled "Two Friends," captures a heartwarming … more Antique bronze statuette from the 1880s by the renowned artist Pierre-Jules Mêne. The statuette, titled "Two Friends," captures a heartwarming scene of a Pekingese and whippet dog standing together side by side. Its excellent condition and beautiful dark brown glossy color add to its allure, showcasing the enduring appeal of this piece.

Length 8 5/8”
Width 4 7/8”
Height 6 1/2”

Crafted from bronze and signed by the artist as PJ Mene, this statuette embodies the artistry and craftsmanship of the late 19th century. The choice of bronze as the material ensures both its lasting quality and aesthetic charm.

The statuette stands elegantly on a base made of beautiful marble in green and white hues, which complements the artwork and elevates its overall presentation.

Having such a timeless and genuine art piece in your possession is a testament to the talent of Pierre-Jules Mêne and would undoubtedly be a cherished addition to any antique art collection or display.

Pierre-Jules Mêne (French, 1810 ~ 1879) Mêne was born in Paris, the son of a prosperous metal-turner. His father trained him in metal-working techniques and he quickly put them together with his own natural talent for drawing and by 1837 he was casting his bronze sculptures in his own foundry. Mêne was a French sculptor and animalière and is considered one of the pioneers of animal sculpture in the nineteenth-century. Mêne produced a number of animal sculptures, mainly of domestic animals including horses, cows and bulls, sheep and goats which were in vogue during the Second Empire. He was one of a school of French animalières which also included Rosa Bonheur, Paul-Edouard Delabrierre, Pierre Louis Rouillard, Antoine-Louis Barye, his son-in-law Auguste Caïn, and François Pompon. His work was first shown in London by Ernest Gambart in 1849. Mêne specialized in small bronze figures which explains why none of his works exist as public statuary. His work was a popular success with the bourgeois class and many editions of each sculpture were made, often to decorate an increasing number of private homes of the period. The quality of these works is high, comparable to Barye’s. Mêne enjoyed a longer period of success and celebrity than his contemporaries. He is considered to have been the lost-wax casting expert of his time. Examples of Menê’s work reside in venues around the world, including museums such as the Ashmolean, the Louvre, the Metropolitan, and the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. less