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Pierre-jules Mêne, Bronze, The Sheep And Its Lamb, With Important Provenance
$2,084.77
£1,551.69
€1,740
CA$2,855.61
A$3,176.07
CHF 1,658.44
MX$38,649.34
NOK 21,180.84
SEK 19,863.90
DKK 13,246.01
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About the Item
"Pierre-jules Mêne (1810–1879) Bronze, The Sheep And Its Lamb, With Important Provenance"
Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810–1879)
La Brebis et son Agneau (The Ewe and Her Lamb)
Bronze with brown patina, signed and dedicated
Circa 1855–1865, lifetime cast
Height: 14.5 cm • Base 23.6 x 10.5 cm
Description
A superb 19th-century French bronze sculpture by celebrated animalier Pierre-Jules Mêne, depicting a standing ewe attentively watching over her nursing lamb. This tranquil rural scene is rendered with exceptional naturalism and tenderness, characteristic of Mêne's mid-career mastery.
The ewe, modeled with full fleece and gentle poise, stands over her crouching offspring, who suckles beneath her with lifelike posture and motion. Both animals exhibit finely detailed textures — especially in the wool, hooves, facial features, and collar. The composition rests on a naturalistic oval base, subtly textured to evoke a pastoral landscape.
Signature & Dedication
Signed in the bronze on the base: P.J. MÊNE
Hand-engraved with a rare and personal dedication:
“à son ami Bzvj, P.J. Mêne” (To his friend Bzvj, P.J. Mêne)
– indicating a presentation or proof cast, possibly created for a personal associate or patron. Such dedications are seldom encountered and elevate the rarity and historical interest of the piece.
Casting & Provenance
No foundry mark, consistent with Mêne’s own workshop productions before 1870.
The absence of later foundry stamps (e.g., Barbedienne, Susse Frères) and the presence of a personal inscription suggest this is a lifetime cast, not a posthumous edition.
Base construction is period-authentic with original bronze patina and mounting points visible.
Artist Background
Pierre-Jules Mêne was the leading French animal sculptor of the 19th century, praised for his anatomical precision and emotive realism. He exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1838 and won multiple medals. His models were widely admired and collected across Europe and the United Kingdom.
This particular model is recorded in the Poletti & Richarme catalogue raisonné (2007), and has been featured in international collections and museums of decorative arts.
Condition
Excellent condition with original brown patina.
Fine crisp detailing throughout — no restoration or losses observed.
Aged base and bronze surface consistent with mid-19th-century production.
- Creator:Pierre Jules Mêne (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 5.71 in (14.5 cm)Width: 4.14 in (10.5 cm)Depth: 9.3 in (23.6 cm)
- Style:Napoleon III (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. normal age traces.
- Seller Location:Bilzen, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10361246013892
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