Object Description
Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1879) was one of the foremost animalier sculptors of the 19th Century, and achieved high distinction in the art of making small bronze figures of domestic animals for the expanding French market. His models were widely studied and reproduced: the famed Susse Freres foundry acquired the rights to his models following his death in 1879 and continued to ensure the popularity of his designs.
The present figure is a bronze model of a dog, ‘Warwick’, and shows the dog standing on its four legs, with a whip in its mouth. The detailing and patination on the dog’s coat is particularly impressive, as is the casting of the naturalistic, oval-shaped base on which he stands. The base is signed ‘P.J. Mene’.