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Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J Mêne
Hickmet Fine Arts
for sale €12,285     $13,335
£10,500
Hickmet Fine Arts

Hickmet Fine Arts

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Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J Mêne

19th century
Description

A exquisite mid 19th Century Animalier bronze study of a spirited stallion and a tetchy mare, the bronze with fabulous rich chestnut brown patina rubbed in areas to a golden hue and excellent hand chased surface detail, raised on naturalistic base, signed P J Mêne

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 33 cm

Width: 54 cm

Depth: 21 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

Circa: 1870

Materials: Bronze

Foundry: Atelier Mêne

Book Ref: Pierre-Jules Mene by Michel Poletti

Page No: 79

SKU: 9616

ABOUT

P J Mene, French 1810 ~ 1879

P.J.Mene 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
33cm (12.99")
Width
54cm (21.26")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Declaration

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1224352
Dealers Internal Reference
9616
Dealers Notes

Please contact us for a shipping quotes.

Viewing can be arranged at our gallery and everything sold by Hickmet Fine Arts comes with a full certificate of Authenticity and Valuation.

If you have enjoyed seeing this item and wish to see more quality pieces please visit our website www.hickmet.com

Description
A exquisite mid 19th Century Animalier bronze study of a spirited stallion and a tetchy mare, the bronze with fabulous rich chestnut brown patina rubbed in areas to a golden hue and excellent hand chased surface detail, raised on naturalistic base, signed P J Mêne
fig 1. A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
fig 1. Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J Mêne

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height: 33 cm

Width: 54 cm

Depth: 21 cm

Condition: Excellent Original Condition

fig 2. A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
fig 2. Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J Mêne

Circa: 1870

Materials: Bronze

Foundry: Atelier Mêne

Book Ref: Pierre-Jules Mene by Michel Poletti

fig 3. A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
fig 3. Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J Mêne

Page No: 79

SKU: 9616

ABOUT

P J Mene, French 1810 ~ 1879

P.J.

Mene 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 mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
fig 4. Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J 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 mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
fig 5. Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J 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 mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
fig 6. Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J 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.

Height
33cm (12.99")
Width
54cm (21.26")
Depth
21cm (8.27")
Date of Manufacture

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

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1224352
Dealers Internal Ref
9616
Hickmet Fine Arts
Hickmet Fine Arts
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2012

Established in 1936, hickmet fine arts is an international family run antiques business

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Hickmet Fine Arts Profile Page

Trade Associations

Hickmet Fine Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  BADA  CINOA

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
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Archive I A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.

Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze Entitled "L'accolade" by P J Mêne

Archive II A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View II
Archive III A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View III
Archive IV A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View IV
Archive V A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View V
Archive VI A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View VI
Archive VII A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View VII
Archive VIII A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View VIII
Archive IX A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View IX
Archive X A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View X
Archive XI A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base. View XI
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Hickmet Fine Arts
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Verified Since Apr 2012
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A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze entitled "L'Accolade" by P J Mêne
Ref: SA1224352
A mid-19th-century patinated bronze sculpture depicting two horses nuzzling each other on an oval moulded base.
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The Animalier school emerged in 19th-century France, characterised by artists who specialised in realistic depictions of animals. Sculptors like Pierre-Jules Mene focused on precise anatomical detail and natural movement, elevating animal subjects to fine art status.

These sculptures were typically created using lost-wax or sand casting methods before being hand-chased to refine surface details. The finished metal was then treated with a chemical patination process to achieve rich brown or dark tonal variations.

Authentic pieces generally feature crisp foundry cast signatures, finely detailed chasing along anatomical features, and an integrated groundwork base. Look for age-appropriate wear to the patination, clean seams, and substantial bronze weight.

Position the bronze on a mantelpiece, sideboard top, or within a styled bookcase where directional lighting highlights its metallic contours. Pair it with natural materials such as dark timber, leather, or stone to complement the bronze tones.

Dust the bronze regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a soft-bristled brush to clear intricate areas. Apply a thin layer of microcrystalline wax annually to protect the delicate patina from moisture and oxidisation.
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