French Orientalist Silvered Bronze Group of “The Falconer”, P.J. Mene 19th C.

Product Description

A French 19th century Silvered Bronze Group of “The Falconer”, Signed P.J. Mene. This silvered bronze depicts an Arab falconer on horseback, signed P.J. Mene in cast to naturalistic base. The sculpture depicts a male figure on horseback, the duo adeptly cast, hand-chassed, and hand-chiseled with exceptional craftsmanship. The group was then completly silvered, creating a marvelous finish on the bronze. The man holds his arm over his head to catch the eponymous falcon. The moment depicted is one of great momentum: the horse, reins pulled by the rider, slows, the tension in its body palpable, as the falconer attempts to retriever his falcon. The Orientalist piece is an unsurpassed example of animalier sculpture, both in terms of its craftsmanship and subject matter.
The base is signed ‘P. J. Mêne’.
Pierre Jules Mêne (French, 1810-1879) first exhibited at the salon of 1838 and would become one of the most renowned members of the group known as Les Animaliers. Widely regarded for his naturalistic and ability to capture subjects in a ‘fleeting moment’, Mêne was highly awarded for his work, receiving the Cross of the Legion of Honor in 1861. Mêne’s strength is well demonstrated in the Mounted Falconer through the lively handling of the falcon, depicted with wings flapped as it begins to take flight.

Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)
Width: 29 in (73.66 cm)
Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)