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silla was born out of a passion for beautiful objects: special pieces with aesthetic and historical significance. In 2009, after years of collecting, Andrew Silla and his wife Grace began to work privately with clients from their residence in Southern Maryland. Quickly outgrowing the space, the business was moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 2012 and after several warehouse location changes it was firmly settled in the present brick-and-mortar location in downtown Shippensburg.

The 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery is home to a large collection of works of art and estate jewelry. We specialize in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 with a particular emphasis on the Animaliers and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

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"Renard Gueule Ouverte", bronze | Pierre Jules Mené

Mene, Pierre-Jules

SKU:
502CBE14Q
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catalog text

RARE BRONZE SCULPTURE OF RENARD GUEULE OUVERTE AFTER MODEL BY PIERRE JULES MENE
Circa mid-19th century, signed in cast "P.J. Mene 1847"
Item #  502CBE14Q


This truly remarkable work by Pierre Jules Méne is a testament to the quality of output his foundry was capable of.  The precision and jewelry grade chiseling and finishing evident in the model is of almost unequal quality.  The figure is compelling, the wily and aggressive nature of the fox depicted quite totally in it's taught and nervous features, a handsome creature with a curiosity in his eyes and posture despite maintaining a cautious stance - in a moments notice, he can quickly spring in the opposite direction and disappear, his center of gravity leveled over his haunches.

Particularly noteworthy is the skillful casting of his facial features - the teeth remain sharp enough to cut skin, the tongue fully formed of the solid, the roof of his mouth even accurately cast along with light detailing of hair inside of his ears.  It is a simply magnificent cast.  The base is signed by Méne and dated 1847, though the work continued to be cast several years afterwards. 


References and Literature:

  • Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, p. 247 (present model pictured and discussed; dimensions noted for total length at 10 3/4" or 27 cm)
  • Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, p. 484 (present model pictured and discussed; dimensions noted at 11 x 22 cm)

Measurements:  10 1/2" L (total length; base length is 8 3/4" or 22 cm) x 4 1/4" D x 4 3/4" H (total height to tips of ears)

Condition Report:
Patina wear along the ridges of back and tips of ears.  Light wear along edges of base.  Overall exceptional condition.