catalog text
PIERRE-JULES MÊNE
French, 1810-1879
"Renard Gueule Ouverte"
Signed in cast "P.J. MÊNE" | conceived in 1847, an early model sand-cast circa 1870
Item # 911CMG13Z
This remarkable bronze by Pierre Jules Mêne is a testament to the quality of output his personal atelier was capable of. The precision and jeweler-grade chiseling and finishing evident in the model is of very fine quality throughout with brilliant texture captured directly from the mold without any need for excessive tooling. The figure of the fox is compelling: its wily and aggressive nature is beautifully captured with muscles strained and taught. The nervous features and curiosity in his eyes are captured without a hint of anthropomorphism, the handsome creature maintaining a cautious prone stance - in a moments notice, he can quickly spring in the opposite direction and disappear, his center of gravity leveled over his haunches.
This rare model is the stand-alone version of the Panting Fox used in Mêne's cast of two hounds cornering a fox, an example of which may still be available in our gallery. This model was exhibited in 1847 two years prior to the exhibit of the full hunt group in 1849 where the fox is portrayed slightly different to represent the existential threat of the hounds. The present cast is a delightful example from Mêne's own foundry, signed in the mold prior to casting "P.J. MÊNE".
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" D x 4 1/2" H
Condition Report:
Some minor wear to the raised haunches of fox; some touch-ups to patina color, particularly the tip of the tail - tail joint was repaired with associated patina touchup. Cleaned, waxed and in beautiful overall condition.