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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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"Basset Hound", bronze sculpture | Pierre Jules Mene

Mene, Pierre-Jules

SKU:
912XKA09L
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catalog text

"CHIEN BASSET A JAMBES TORSES" BY PIERRE JULES MENE (FRENCH, 1810-1879)
In patinated bronze; signed "P.J. Mene" in naturalistic base; "8" cold-stamped verso
Item # 912XKA09L 


An unusual and very finely cast sculpture of a basset hound with fully twisted forelegs, it is a highly uncommon glimpse at this curious breed. At least his second depiction of the basset, both noted in his Susse catalogue, this model very rarely finds its way to the open market. A sand cast model with intricate detail and modeling to both the dog and the naturalistic base, the base is signed in his typical block lettering "P. J. MENE" cast deep in the bronze, the reverse of the base with a small cold-stamped "8". This casting of the model is likely posthumous circa the last quarter of the 19th century.

Literature & Further Reading:

  • Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p. 473 [a copy of Mene's catalogue by Susse Freres, perhaps referring to the present model as number 73]

Measurements: 10 1/2" W (9 1/2" W base) x 5 3/8" D (4 3/8" D base) x 4 3/8" H

Condition Report:
Fine original condition, very minor handling wear to relief, including the edges of ears, nose, paws and elements on the base; relieved patina to the uppermost ridge of hound's back.