What characterises 19th-century French Animalier bronze sculptures?

The Animalier movement emerged in 19th-century France, defined by sculptors who specialised in realistic, anatomically precise depictions of animals. Artists such as Pierre Jules Mene favoured naturalistic poses, capturing subjects in authentic movements rather than allegorical stances.

How were 19th-century bronze animal sculptures produced?

These sculptures were typically cast using lost-wax or sand casting methods. Once cast, artisans applied chemical patinas to achieve rich brown, dark green, or black finishes that protected the metal and highlighted intricate surface detailing.

How can authentic 19th-century bronzes be identified?

Authentic period bronzes display precise cast detailing in the fur, foliage, and base, along with cast signatures from the foundry or artist. Original patination shows natural wear on raised surfaces rather than uniform artificial coating.

How should an Animalier bronze sculpture be styled in a modern interior?

Displaying the bronze on a mantelpiece, dark wood sideboard, or within a styled bookcase provides a grounded focal point. Contrast the dark patinated surface with natural timber, stone, or neutral backgrounds to emphasize its silhouette.

How should dark patinated bronze sculptures be preserved?

Dust the sculpture regularly with a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove accumulation in delicate recesses. Avoid chemical solvents or metal polishes, and apply a light layer of clear microcrystalline wax annually to maintain the protective patina.

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Cast Bronze Animal Figure

Pierre Jules Mene Sculpture

French Animalier Bronze Statue

Id #SA1057168

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Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

Name: Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1057168
Price: 2850 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Hickmet Fine Arts

Description

A very rare mid 19th Century Animalier bronze study of a doe drinking by the side of a lake, the bronze with fabulous rich brown patina and very fine hand chased surface detail, raised on naturalistic base. Signed P J Mêne?, inscribed ?Susse Freres ?and stamped with foundry medallion

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 18 cm

Width: 24 cm

Depth: 9.5 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

Circa: 1870

Materials: Bronze

Foundry: Susse Freres

Book Ref: Pierre-Jules Mene by Michel Poletti

Page No: 159

SKU: 9124

ABOUT

P J Mene, French 1810 ~ 1879

Pierre Jules Mêne is probably the best known of the French Animaliers School and his bronzes are today among the most highly prized in this genre. Surrounded as we are by disturbance and even violence, collectors of his work can find relaxation and enjoyment in contemplating the innate grace and beauty of his sculpture.

Beginning in 1838 Mêne worked at his own foundry, casting first his own works and later also those of his son-in-law Auguste Cain. He became absorbed in the meticulous work of casting and chiselling and ensured that during his lifetime the bronzes that were cast were always checked for quality, colour and finish before they were allowed to leave the foundry.

As a regular exhibitor at the Salon des Beaux-Arts many of Mêne’s subjects were shown to the general public in this popular showcase where acclaim and criticism could be judged before including the subject in his general Ouevre. This also served to establish public awareness of his new works and provides a useful reference when dating the origin of a particular cast. As a further point of reference Mêne produced a catalogue of all his works and each of his models has an identifiable catalogue number.

After Mêne’s death in 1879 the Barbedienne and Susse Frères foundries acquired the rights to reproduce his many of his important models and these posthumous casts are marked F Barbedienne Fondeur and Susse Frères fondeur editeur respectively. These bronzes are of a fine quality and are cast by the leading bronze foundries in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, however they do not have the vitality and attention to detail that Mêne achieved on the casts from his own foundry.

Physical Dimensions

Height

18cm (7.09")

Width

24cm (9.45")

Depth

8.5cm (3.35")

Declaration

Hickmet Fine Arts has dated this French Animalier Bronze Sculpture to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1057168

Dealers Internal Reference

9124

Dealers Notes

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Description

fig 1. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a doe bending down to drink amongst naturalistic foliage on an oval base. — fig 1. Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 18 cm

Width: 24 cm

Depth: 9.5 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

fig 2. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a doe bending down to drink amongst naturalistic foliage on an oval base. — fig 2. Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

Circa: 1870

Materials: Bronze

Foundry: Susse Freres

Book Ref: Pierre-Jules Mene by Michel Poletti

fig 3. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a doe bending down to drink amongst naturalistic foliage on an oval base. — fig 3. Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

Page No: 159

SKU: 9124

ABOUT

P J Mene, French 1810 ~ 1879

“

Pierre Jules Mêne is probably the best known of the French Animaliers School and his bronzes are today among the most highly prized in this genre.

Hickmet Fine Arts

Surrounded as we are by disturbance and even violence, collectors of his work can find relaxation and enjoyment in contemplating the innate grace and beauty of his sculpture.

fig 4. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a doe bending down to drink amongst naturalistic foliage on an oval base. — fig 4. Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

Beginning in 1838 Mêne worked at his own foundry, casting first his own works and later also those of his son-in-law Auguste Cain. He became absorbed in the meticulous work of casting and chiselling and ensured that during his lifetime the bronzes that were cast were always checked for quality, colour and finish before they were allowed to leave the foundry.

fig 5. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a doe bending down to drink amongst naturalistic foliage on an oval base. — fig 5. Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

As a regular exhibitor at the Salon des Beaux-Arts many of Mêne’s subjects were shown to the general public in this popular showcase where acclaim and criticism could be judged before including the subject in his general Ouevre. This also served to establish public awareness of his new works and provides a useful reference when dating the origin of a particular cast. As a further point of reference Mêne produced a catalogue of all his works and each of his models has an identifiable catalogue number.

fig 6. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a doe bending down to drink amongst naturalistic foliage on an oval base. — fig 6. Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Biche Buvant" by Pierre Jules Mêne

After Mêne’s death in 1879 the Barbedienne and Susse Frères foundries acquired the rights to reproduce his many of his important models and these posthumous casts are marked F Barbedienne Fondeur and Susse Frères fondeur editeur respectively. These bronzes are of a fine quality and are cast by the leading bronze foundries in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, however they do not have the vitality and attention to detail that Mêne achieved on the casts from his own foundry.