catalog text
PIERRE-JULES MÊNE
French, 1810-1879
Renard Debout
Sand-cast and patinated bronze | signed in cast base "P.J. MENE" | probably atelier Mêne-Cain circa 1880
Item # 309XLA22K
An endearing model of a strolling fox, it is a separation slightly reworked from Mêne's Groupe de Renards, the present model only featuring the standing male fox and not the resting female. He is alert and modeled with a beautiful fluid surface that is silky and loosely impressionistic, a brilliant surface that positively glows with underlying textures coming through when viewed from different angles. We've handled many examples of Mêne's small fox groups and there can be a true gulf between the quality of the casts executed under Mêne and the Mêne-Cain ateliers versus the later casts. The present cast has an unusual geometric edge decoration that is derived directly from the cast, something we don't usually see on this model and quite lively. A scarce cast.
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, 1986, p. 247, ill. D131
- Pierre-Jules Mêne, Catalogue raisonné, Poletti & Richarme, 2007, p. 173, ill. 215
Measurements: 3 1/4" H x 5 5/8" W x 2" D
Condition Report:
Two holes in base drilled and threaded, an ill-conceived means to likely mount on marble at one point; spots of patina loss to naturalistic base; casting flaw (tiny hole) by one foot; polished - a fine presentation.