“Fighting Sparrows” French Antique Bronze Sculpture by Jules Moigniez

Jules Moigniez was born in Senlis sur L'Oise, France in 1835 and died in Saint-Martin-du-Teire, France on May 29, 1894. The son of a metal gilder, Moigniez was a student of Paul Comolera. Moigniez debuted at the Exposition Universelle in 1855 with Pointer, Pheasant, Falcon and Weasel each in plaster. Moigniez contributed regularly to the Paris Salon from 1859–92 during which he exhibited over 30 sculptures including Pointer, Pheasant, Falcon and Weasel in bronze. Moigniez was awarded an honorable mention at the Salon and received a medal in London at the Great Exposition in 1862. Moigniez lived most of his life in Paris. During his career, Moigniez was widely popular in France, England and America. His bronzes were most decorative, particularly those of game birds. Moigniez also sculpted dogs, farm animals and equestrian groups. Moigniez's dogs reflected the "naturalism" style of Pierre Jules Mene. Moigniez’s bird sculptures were reminiscent of paintings by deHondecoeter, Casteels and Snyders. Moigniez’s sculptures of birds reflect dynamic movement as if captured through a high-speed photographic portrait. Moigniez bronzes were edited, cast, by the foundry his father opened in 1857. A wide variety of patinations, including silver plate, golden bronze and gilding were unique to these lifetime casts. After Moigniez’s death, most of his bronzes were cast by A. Gouge, who also edited most of Comolera's sculptures.