catalog text
PIERRE JULES MENE
French, 1810-1879
"Chasse au Canard" (Duck Hunt)
Patinated bronze | Signed in naturalistic base "P.J. MENE" | Submitted to Salon 1850, a fine atelier cast circa 1870
Item # 111HEA12P
An uncommon early model, this sculpture was cast in Mene's own foundry circa the third quarter of the nineteenth-century. It was originally submitted to the Paris Salon of 1850 as no. 3515 and was subsequently offered in a smaller group titled "Chien Épagneul-Griffon Saisissant un Canard" featuring only a single Spanish Griffon in chase. Preparatory drawings for this dog are retained in Mene's working papers (ill. 16, Poletti) with a title of Épagneul de la Chasse au canard and include dimensions in centimeters studying how the dog should be proportioned in this stance.
Note the exquisite detail captured directly from the mold in both dogs - the hair along their paws, the exquisite definition of the paw pads and teeth, faces and the chaotic hair laying across their bodies. The surface is finished in a dark brown patina with light undertones of amber. It is signed in the base "P.J. MENE", this captured directly from the mold with no cold-tooling or later finishing of the signature. The underside shows an early joinery method with several peened post ends and a pair of modern nuts over hand-fabricated brass plates to secure the dogs more firmly to the base.
This rare and vigorous model captures the energetic spirit of the Spanish Griffon, a moment in time that would be happening in glimpses and instants that has been frozen in time for us to study - the duck is clearly surprised as the dog coming around the brush catches it just at the moment of lift-off, its wings beating the air and legs prone to leap from the soil. The sheer eagerness of both dogs is palpable, their every feature showing a total commitment and absolute engagement in the hunt. This model exemplifies Mene's ability to convincingly capture such a chaotic and intense scene with utmost realism, still capturing with balance the surrounding environment and composing the figures with a perfect balance in full appreciation of the small footprint available for him to work with.
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- Pierre-Jules Mene: Catalogue raisonné, Poletti & Richarme, 2007, p. 54
Measurements: 17 1/2" W x 8 7/8" D x 10" H
Condition Report:
A well-preserved surface patina throughout; carefully cleaned and sealed with a fresh beeswax; modern rod, nut and hand-fabricated brass backplate for two joints under the bronze; the tree trunk has a slight wiggle along the visible seam between the trunk and the base; hairline fissure in edge of base rim, other minor patina wear to base rim as expected; a very fine piece, ready to place.