Pierre-Jules Mêne French, 1810-1879

Overall the condition of the bronze appears to be excellent, with some minor wear to the patina consistent with age and a minor casting flaw to the back of the base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The son of a metal turner, Pierre-Jules Mêne began his career working with his father and learnt from him the skills of casting and chasing bronze. Mêne was married at 22 and turned his hand to making models for porcelain and small commercial sculptures to support his family. Under the guidance of the sculptor Réné Compaire, Mêne began to take an interest in animal subjects and spent his days sketching the animals in the Paris Jardin des Plantes. He began to exhibit his animal subjects at the Salon in 1838 just as the vogue for les animaliers took off. A contemporary of Barye, his models were immensely successful. Whilst his oeuvre retains a hint of the Romanticism of the period it contrasts with that of Barye as he focussed on creating models directly from nature with a keen observation of animal type and behaviour.

See also lots 322 & 324.

RELATED LITERATURE
Horswell, p. 103; Lami, vol. III, pp. 427-430