catalog text
"CERF A LA BRANCHE NO. 1" AFTER A MODEL BY PIERRE JULES MENE (FRENCH, 1810-1879)
Executed in bronze with original medium-brown surface patination; signed in cast "P.J. Mene", circa early 20th century
Item # 103KQS19P
Catalogued as No. 118 in Mene's late 19th century catalogue issued by Susse Freres under the title "Cerf à la Branche no. 1" with dimensions of 36 cm high x 38 cm wide, it was offered at that time at 150 francs. This casting was posthumously executed during the first quarter of the 20th century, probably after 1908, and is a rather fine example with rich surface texture throughout. It has some variations compared to the No. 2 and No. 3 editions of the same title, notably in the form of the tree, the arrangement of various branches and elements on the forest floor and signature placement. The stag stands over a naturalist base with only lightly modeled edges, the underside of the base being filled with original plaster.
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- Pierre-Jules Mene: Catalogue raisonné, Poletti & Richarme, UDB, 2007, p. 152
- Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, 2002, p. 184, f. De4
- Bronzes of the 19th Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, pictured p. 485, Mene's catalogue reproduced p. 472-475
- Bronze Sculpture of Les Animaliers, Jane Horswell, 1971, pictured p. 107
- The Animaliers, James Mackay, 1973, pictured p. 112-1
Measurements: 14 3/8" H x 15 3/8" W x 6 3/4" D
Condition Report:
Some rubbing to relief of patina, more notable in the base. Cleaned, waxed and polished, a fine presentation in excellent original condition.