After Pierre Jules Mêne

After PIERRE JULES MÈNE (Paris, 1810 - 1879).
"Horses".
Patinated bronze.
With signature "R. Mêne" on the front.
Measurements: 6,5 x 12,5 x 4 cm.

Sculptural group representing two horses in dynamic attitude. The bronze artist was inspired by the equestrian sculptures of Pierre Jules Mène, considered one of the main representatives of the animalistic effigies of the 19th century. Mène produced a series of animal sculptures, mainly of domestic animals, horses, cows and bulls, sheep and goats that were in vogue during the Second French Empire.

Pierre-Jules Mêne was an animal sculptor who belonged to the school of French animalières that also included Rosa Bonheur, Pierre Louis Rouillard, Antoine-Louis Barye, Auguste Caïn and François Pompon. His work was first shown in London by Ernest Gambart in 1849. Mène specialized in small bronze figures which explains why none of his work has been shown as public statuary. His work was a popular success within the bourgeois class and many editions of each sculpture were made, often to decorate an increasing number of private homes of the time. The quality of these works is high, comparable to that of Barye. Mène also enjoyed a long period of success and celebrity among his contemporaries. He is considered the greatest expert in lost wax casting of his time, surpassed only later by Auguste Rodin. Outstanding works: Tachiani et Nedjebé, chevaux arabes, commonly called L'accolade (the back), model in red wax, 1851, is probably the best known work of Mêne musée du Louvre.Vache flamande et son veau(Flemish cow and her calf), small group on wooden base, 1853, musée du Louvre.Chien au terrier (dog in the den), small group in black-brown wax , 1846, Msée d'Orsay. PJ Mêne's bronzes are well represented in the collections of major American museums.