Jules Agard Decorative Objects

An excellent mid 19th Century French Animalier bronze study of a falcon perched on a branch using its outspread wings to balance and with its beak open. The bronze exhibiting excellent intricate hand chased surface detail and very fine rich brown lightly rubbed patination, signed J Moigniez. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 23 cm Width: 23 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1870 Materials: Bronze Book reference: Animals in Bronze by Christopher Paine Page no. 79 SKU: 9000 ABOUT Jules Moigniez (French, 1835 ~ 1894) Moigniez was a French animalier sculptor of the 19th century. He worked primarily in bronze and frequently exhibited his sculptures at the Paris salon. He was best known for his bronzes depicting birds, although his skill and versatility enabled him to produce quality horse sculptures (primarily racehorses), dog sculptures and hunting scenes. His bird sculptures were among the finest ever created in his time. Moigniez was born at Senlis, Oise, France in 1835, the son of a metal gilder. Moigniez’s father bought a foundry to cast his sculptures, which was of great benefit to Moigniez as he didn’t have the added foundry costs that most of his contemporaries had to pay. Moigniez studied sculpture under the tutelage of Paul Comoléra (a student of François Rude) in Paris. It is quite likely that Moigniez’s attraction to bird sculpture was a direct result of his education under Comoléra, who was himself a bird specialist. Over the course of his 40-year sculpting career Moigniez exhibited thirty works at the Salon between 1855–92. His first submission in a major art exhibition was his plaster, Pointer Stopping at a Pheasant, at the Exposition Universelle of 1855.[1][2] Moigniez was known for the fine detail and chiseling of his sculptures. His bronzes—usually cast using the lost wax method—were always immaculately chased and patinated, and were especially popular in England and Scotland.[2] More than half of his output during his lifetime was sold in the United Kingdom. By the end of the 19th century, his sculpture had become popular in the United States as well. In contrast with other animaliers of the period such are P.J. Mêne and Antoine-Louis Barye, Moigniez’s bird sculptures often incorporated highly detailed bases complete with bushes, extensive foliage and undergrowth. His castings were generally of excellent quality with a variety of patinas, the gilded and silvered patinas being the most desirable and sought after by collectors. His bronzes could be reproached for an excess of detail, a result of overly-finicky, over-worked chiseling. Moigniez received redemption, however, by portraying in his sculpture a certain “elegance of attitudes”. His Chien braque...

An Austrian Ernst Wahliss Art Nouveau figurine, circa 1880 Ernst Wahliss (1837-1900), Austrian Art Nouveau ceramic sculptural figure of a semi draped ...

Presented is a 20th century bronze sculpture, after Jules Moigniez, of an eagle on a rocky perch. The dignified eagle has its wings tucked and his head turned to the side, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Textured feathers, a rugged base, and sharp talons show Moigniez’s artistry at the lost wax process. The bronze sculpture sits atop a marble base. Jules Moigniez (1835-1894) was a French sculptor widely known for his highly detailed bronze works depicting dynamic wildlife. After studying under Paul Cromolera, Moigniez made a name for himself at his first exhibition in 1855 at the Paris Exposition Universelle. From 1859 to 1892, he showed regularly at the annual Saloons, with a total of 30 recorded works exhibited. A successful sculptor in France, Moignez increased his British and American collector base by exhibiting at the London International Exhibition of 1862. Intensely dedicated to the process of casting, Jules and his father decided to establish their own foundry in 1857, solely for the purpose of having complete control at every step, as well as the freedom to experiment. They created bronzes with unusually and unique finishes, experimenting in gilded, silver, and multi-color chemical patinas. Most of his works were cast using the lost-wax patina and were always chiseled and chased with great skill and care. While many bronze artists at the time focused solely on the subject, Moigniez incorporated highly detailed bases to accommodate his various animals. After Jules Moigniez’s tragic death in 1894, his father continued to cast his son’s bronzes from the Moigniez foundry. Just before Moigniez’s father also passed away, he sold the foundry and his casts to Auguste Gouge, a family friend who once cast bronzes for Jules' teacher Paul Cromolera. Gouge continued to produce Moigniez’s bronze sculptures until WWI. Eagle sculptures, such as this, gained such popularity in America because of the symbolic and historical meanings associated with the elegant bird. The eagle motif has been widely used throughout American history, most notably as part of our Great Seal. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery was prominent. Since then, the eagle motif has appeared in allegorical engravings...

19th Century bronze Sculpture of Whippet by Pierre Jules Mene on green marble base. Beautiful piece and condition.

Terracotta nude woman sculpture by George Maxim (1885-1940) Signed Geo Maxim. Early 20th century, France Crack mark on the right arm.

Beautiful duck figure sculpture in off white beige glazed terracotta. Spain, 1960s This handcrafted glazed terracotta duck figure with unglazed beak is in excellent condition. Mat...

Pierre-Jules MÈNE (1810-1879) French, A bronze sculpture of a young stag olive patina, finely cast and chiseled, signed in the cast PJ MENE, Dimensions: Width 4.80 in. (12.2 ...

Bronze inkwell sculpture with nuanced brown patination. Two ink pots are cleverly hidden at either end of the sculpture: One in the stump of the tree and the other under a rock. Moig...

A Stunning and beautiful Hand Painted ceramic Barzoi sculpture made in Austria by Goldscheider in the 1930s. This very decorative ceramic barzoi figurine by the renowned company of Friedrich Goldscheider in Vienna - Austria. The manufactory of Goldscheider, one of the most successful companies in European ceramic history, was founded 1885 and is world famous for their outstanding figurines and amazing shaped busts. This beautiful crafted early 20th century prowling ceramic barzoi dogs impresses with its realistic depiction. The timeless beauty and quality of this Goldscheider dogs sculpture makes...

"The Arab Falconer" by Pierre Jules Mene The finely cast and planished bronze, depicting a falconer walking on a naturalistic ground, with a hare ...

This compelling sculpture in brazed brass sits on a walnut base. Reminiscent of Bertoi'a bush forms, the piece has a very dynamic composition. Signed and dated on one of the “leaf” e...

Bronze sculpture with brown patina, representing a man and his falcon, Signed P.J Mene & Dated 1873 on the round base.