Object Description
A Pair of Bronzed Electrotype Equestrian Groups
By Pierre-Jules Mêne
Both groups patinated to a bronze finish, one horse group known as ‘Jument Arabe et son Poulain, No. 1, Kemlem-Handani’ (An Arab mare and her foal no. 1) and the other known as ‘Groupe Chevaux Arabes No. 1,’ (An Arab mare and her stallion) today called ‘L’accolade,’ on naturalistic bases and moulded plinths. Each with a mould incised signature.
French, circa 1900
Both groups are documented and discussed in PJ Mêne’s catalogue raisonné, under nos. 19 & 25. Mêne is considered one of the pioneers of animal sculpture in the 19th century.
Mêne’s group of an Arab mare and stallion, known today as L’Accolade, was first exhibited in red wax with a thin black patina at the Salon of 1852, entitled Tachiani and Nedjébé, chevaux arabes. The following year a bronze version was exhibited, and in 1855 the wax was re-submitted to the Exposition Universelle, alongside two of Mêne’s other works, and won a medal.
Literature:
Poletti, Michel, et al. Pierre-Jules Mêne, 1810-1879 : Catalogue Raisonné. Univers du bronze, 2007.