Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) - Lot 23

Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) Mixed-race ram rubbing against a tree Model created before 1846 Bronze with brown patina Signed "PJ MENE" on the terrace Dedicated "To his friend Bellangé PJ Mêne". H .20,5 cm, terrace W. 24 x D. 11 cm From 1844, Pierre-Jules Mêne shared his studio with the painter Brascassat. Together, they frequently traveled to Fontainebleau to observe grazing animals and transcribe them in clay for one, and on canvas for the other. The high quality of our bronze, probably dedicated to the painter Hippolyte Bellangé (1800- 1866), is explained by the very limited edition of the model, whose proofs were mainly cast while the sculptor was alive and under his supervision. Related literature -Michel Poletti, Alain Richarme, Pierre-Jules Mêne, catalog raisonné, Paris, Univers du Bronze, 2007, model listed under no. PA 2, p. 137.