Name: A Fine 19th Century Bronze Study of a Greyhound by P. J. Mène
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1237282
Price: 2850 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Robert Belcher Antiques

Description

A superb large-scale 19th-century bronze study of a Greyhound by the highly acclaimed French animalière sculptor Pierre-Jules Mène (1810–1879).

Beautifully modelled and cast in solid bronze, the sculpture depicts a muscular Greyhound standing alert and poised, apparently watching for prey, perhaps a hare or rabbit. The animal is captured in a moment of heightened tension, with its elegant, sinuous legs, tightly drawn rib cage and finely defined musculature demonstrating Mène’s exceptional understanding of animal anatomy and movement.

The sculpture is particularly impressive for its scale and presence, while retaining the refined naturalism for which Mène is renowned.

The bronze is in very good condition and retains a fine, dark reddish-brown patina.

French, circa 1860

Dimensions:

Height: 22 cm

Width: 28.5 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Pierre Jules Mene, (P. J. Mene), was born in Paris in March of 1810 and died in Paris at number 9 Rue de l'Entrepôt on May 21, 1879. The son of a metal turner, he received his earliest teaching on sculpture and foundry work from his father, and he opened his own foundry in the 1850s, creating lost-wax castings of his sculptures in bronze. Although mostly self-taught, Mene was encouraged by sculptor René Compaire, and was also influenced by two painters: Edwin Landseer of England with his expressive sentimentality, as well as Carle Vernet of France, in capturing spirit, grace and compositional beauty in sculptural form.

Physical Dimensions

Height

22cm (8.66")

Width

28.5cm (11.22")

Depth

11cm (4.33")

Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Bronze Greyhound Dog Sculpture to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1237282

Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description

A superb large-scale 19th-century bronze study of a Greyhound by the highly acclaimed French animalière sculptor Pierre-Jules Mène (1810–1879).

“

Beautifully modelled and cast in solid bronze, the sculpture depicts a muscular Greyhound standing alert and poised, apparently watching for prey, perhaps a hare or rabbit.

Robert Belcher Antiques

The animal is captured in a moment of heightened tension, with its elegant, sinuous legs, tightly drawn rib cage and finely defined musculature demonstrating Mène’s exceptional understanding of animal anatomy and movement.

fig 1. A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. — fig 1. A Fine 19th Century Bronze Study of a Greyhound by P. J. Mène

The sculpture is particularly impressive for its scale and presence, while retaining the refined naturalism for which Mène is renowned.

The bronze is in very good condition and retains a fine, dark reddish-brown patina.

fig 2. A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. — fig 2. A Fine 19th Century Bronze Study of a Greyhound by P. J. Mène

French, circa 1860

Dimensions:

Height: 22 cm

Width: 28.5 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Pierre Jules Mene, (P. J. Mene), was born in Paris in March of 1810 and died in Paris at number 9 Rue de l'Entrepôt on May 21, 1879. The son of a metal turner, he received his earliest teaching on sculpture and foundry work from his father, and he opened his own foundry in the 1850s, creating lost-wax castings of his sculptures in bronze. Although mostly self-taught, Mene was encouraged by sculptor René Compaire, and was also influenced by two painters: Edwin Landseer of England with his expressive sentimentality, as well as Carle Vernet of France, in capturing spirit, grace and compositional beauty in sculptural form.

Physical Dimensions

Height

22cm (8.66")

Width

28.5cm (11.22")

Depth

11cm (4.33")

Date of Manufacture

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Bronze Greyhound Dog Sculpture to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1237282

About the Dealer

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Robert Belcher Antiques Profile Page

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A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base.

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A Fine 19th Century Bronze Study of a Greyhound by P. J. Mène

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A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. View II

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A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. View XI

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A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. View XII

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A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. View XIII

Archive XIV

A 19th-century dark patinated bronze sculpture of a standing greyhound dog on a textured oval base. View XIV

The Animalier movement emerged in 19th-century France, characterized by artists who specialized in creating naturalistic, anatomically precise bronze sculptures of animals. Lead sculptors such as Pierre-Jules Mene and Antoine-Louis Barye popularized the genre, making bronze animal studies highly sought-after decorative works across Europe.

These sculptures were typically created using the lost-wax (cire perdue) or sand-casting methods. Molten bronze was poured into detailed moulds, hand-chased after cooling to refine surface texture, and finished with chemical patination to achieve deep brown or dark green tones.

Authentic period bronzes exhibit fine hand-chasing detail in hair and muscle definition, natural age-related patina wear on raised surfaces, and foundry marks or incised artist signatures. They also possess substantial weight and precise seams where base plates or components connect.

A bronze animal sculpture provides tonal contrast when placed on a light wood or marble surface. Stylists frequently position these pieces on a bookshelf, mantelpiece, or executive desk alongside leather-bound books to introduce historical texture.

Regular dusting with a soft, dry microfibre cloth is recommended. To preserve the original patina, apply a thin coat of clear beeswax polish annually, buffing gently with a clean cloth, while avoiding harsh liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.

Robert Belcher Antiques

A Fine 19th Century Bronze Study of a Greyhound by P. J. Mène

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Robert Belcher Antiques

A Fine 19th Century Bronze Study of a Greyhound by P. J. Mène

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Late 19th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Lévrier Assis" by Alfred Dubucand

Art Deco Prized Racing Greyhound Bronze Sculpture

Stunning Art Deco Bronze Sculpture of a Dog

A Large 19th Century French Animalier Bronze of a Recumbent Greyhound After Christophe Fratin (1801-1864)

Setter with Rabbit, 19th Century Bronze ,Jules Moigniez ( 1835-1894 )

19th Century Bronze Animalier Sculpture of a Setter Dog After P J Mene

Bronze Children Bathing, by E.a.clapp, 1919

Scottish Kennel Association Newfoundland Dog Bronze Sculpture

Bronze Horse After Frederic Remington Sculpture the Mountain Man

Japanese Bronze Okimono, Tanuki, Shosai, Meiji Period.

Mid 20th Century Animalier Bronze "Singe Avec Paniers" by Christophe Fratin

19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture "The Spring" by Mathurin Moreau

Robert Belcher Antiques

Email Robert Belcher Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

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FAQs

What is the history of Animalier bronze sculptures?

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How can you identify authentic 19th-century French bronzes?

How do you style a bronze animal sculpture in a modern interior?

How should patinated bronze sculptures be cleaned and maintained?

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