French 19th Century Bronze Sculpture “Gardant Du Gibier” by Pierre-Jules Mêne

Description

PIERRE-JULES MÊNE
France, 1810-1879

"Chien Gardant du Gibier" (1850)

Sand-cast patinated bronze | signed in cast "P.I. MÊNE 1850" | … more PIERRE-JULES MÊNE
France, 1810-1879

"Chien Gardant du Gibier" (1850)

Sand-cast patinated bronze | signed in cast "P.I. MÊNE 1850" | cast circa 1870-1880

Item # 405ZIM29Q

One of Mêne's most sought-after hunt groups, the present model was executed circa 1870-80 either in Mêne's personal atelier under his oversight or just shortly after his death in the Mêne-Cain atelier operated by his son-in-law August Cain. This group of Chien Gardant du Gibier was initially exhibited in wax at the Salon of 1850 and was subsequently offered in his catalogue as no. 58. It was a very popular model both in France and in England, where many cast-iron lifetime examples produced for the English market can still be found today. Examples from the 1860-1880 period in bronze are rather scarce.

Typical of work produced under Mêne and Cain, the extraordinary attention to detail is self-evident in every element faithfully captured in the most realistic sense. Particularly notable are his rendering of the pheasant's face and the fine finishing of the feathers - not only along the outside of the pheasant's body but also the inside of the tail where it faces the trunk. Note the intricate mottled fur of the rabbit with crisp eyes and beautifully textured fur along the ears and paws. The same is evident in the textured lines of fur along the paws and legs of the dog, but also along his back and head where a silky surface is only broken by the incised lines of the sculptors stylus. These textures are captured directly from the mold without any cold-tooling or labor from the ciseleur. The signature and date are also captured directly from the original wax with slightly raised edges, the interior of the signature then improved in the foundry by chiseling.

It is a sand-cast model with numerous individual elements and the joinery is notable. Almost every joint through the base is affixed using a counter-sunk slotted screw, something we've seen extensively on models cast in both Mêne's personal atelier and early in the succeeding partnership with his son-in-law.

For an identical example, see Virginia Museum of Arts (acc. no. 68.29.1). This is a very desirable model for collectors of Mêne's work, difficult to find and of a nearly jeweler's grade in overall execution.

Artist Listings & Bibliography:

"Pierre-Jules Mêne, 1810-1879: catalogue raisonné", Poletti & Richarme, 2007, ill. CHI 34, p. 114-115
"Animals in Bronze", Christopher Payne, 2002, ill. D36, p. 212


Measurements: 11 7/8" H x 14" W x 8 5/8" D

Condition Report:
Very fine original condition. The original patina is well-preserved and presents beautifully, having been carefully cleaned and conserved, sealed under conservator-grade wax and a brilliant presentation. Light wear to patina mostly isolated to raised elements, for example the raised features of the dog's face, some knobby elements of the tree trunk and foliage. No flaws. less