Pierre Jules Mène, Sculpture with Horses, 1800s, Bronze & Marble

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This sculpture is a refined group in dark patinated bronze, the work of French artist Pierre-Jules Mène (signed "P.J. MENE" … Read more This sculpture is a refined group in dark patinated bronze, the work of French artist Pierre-Jules Mène (signed "P.J. MENE" on the base), one of the most celebrated exponents of the 19th-century animalier school. Produced in the early 1900s, the work depicts two Arabian horses in a moment of affectionate interaction.

Composition: The two horses are captured in a natural, plastic pose; one delicately rests its muzzle on the other's neck, creating a curved line that lends dynamism and sweetness to the entire scene.

Anatomical realism: Mène's mastery is evident in the meticulous rendering of the horses' muscles, tendons, and bone structure, typical of the naturalist style of the period. The lustre of the bronze enhances the details of the coats and manes.

Base details: The animals stand on an uneven, naturalistic terrain that simulates a grassy or rocky area, rich in texture. The entire piece is mounted on an oval base of veined black marble, lending the sculpture elegance and stability.

This sculpture represents a classic of 19th-century figurative art collecting, celebrating the nobility and beauty of the horse with extraordinary realism. See less