catalog text
"LA CHÉVRE ET LE CHEVREAU" BRONZE GROUP BY PIERRE JULES MENE
Sand cast in patinated bronze; no. 147 from Mene's catalogue; signed in cast "P. J. Mene"; circa 1850s
Item # 011GPP14K
This rare and exceptional model of Chévre et Chevreau (The Nanny Goat and her Kid) was offered in Mene's late 19th century catalog issued by Susse Freres as no. 147 at 100 francs. Likely an atelier casting from Mene's own foundry, the hand chiseling and chasing executed by the foundry is exquisite, all detailing in both the figures and the naturalistic base above reproach.
Mene’s handling of wild and chaotic hair on the mother goat is noteworthy - this is one of the most difficult aspects of a figure for a sculptor to capture, as hair has such layering and depth that few sculptors find a way to model it satisfactorily. Her hair is perfect, blown back and forth across her back, matted and then billowing. In each of his models capturing goats, this is a consistent point of excellence and one of the small details that set Mene apart as the most popular sculptor of the Animalier school - his realism and graceful approach to each subject is simply above reproach.
The model is signed crisply in the base among the foliage "P.J. Mene” and it retains an early Christies label to the underside.
Literature:
- Bronze Sculpture of “Les Animaliers”, Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 119 - same model, 9 3/4” high, executed circa 1850 by the Coalbrookdale foundry in England
- Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, 2002, p. 266 G3 - same model, 9 1/4” high, executed circa 1850s by Coalbrookdale
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, pictured p. 486 at 24 cm or 9 1/2" H; Mene's catalogue reproduced p. 472-475 noting the present model as No. 147 at 24 cm high x 24 cm wide x 13 cm deep and offered at 100 francs
Measurements: 9 7/8" H x 4 5/8" D x 9 1/4" W
Condition Report:
Very light handling wear to patina. Exceptional original condition.