Object Description
‘The Arab Falconer’, antique painted bronze sculpture after Pierre-Jules Mêne
French, 19th Century
Height 80cm, width 71cm, depth 31cm
After the celebrated French animalier sculptor, Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879), the sculpture is known as ‘The Arab Falconer on Horseback’, or ‘Fauconnier arabe à cheval’.
The Arab horseman is depicted in a very animated pose with his hand raised, attempting to retrieve the falcon. Simultaneously, he is trying to slow down the horse by pulling on the reins, the animal’s body tensing while coming to a stop.
Cast and finished with a superb patina, the piece is also painted further accentuating fine details. For example, the horseman is dressed in Orientalist style clothing in shades of green and red, while the saddle features grey details. A rectangular base cast to depict a rocky ground supports the figure and the animal.
The base features the ‘P.J. MÊNE’ signature.
The antique animalier sculpture is of the finest quality and celebrates the work of Pierre-Jules Mêne.