Bidspirit auction | A BRONZE BY PIERRE-JULES MÊNE

A BRONZE BY PIERRE-JULES MÊNE (FRENCH, 1810–1879), THE HUNTER - A dynamic and finely cast bronze group depicting a hunter standing beside his horse and pack of hounds, proudly raising the game from a successful hunt. The composition displays the lively realism, anatomical accuracy, and sense of narrative movement characteristic of Pierre-Jules Mêne, one of the foremost animaliers of 19th-century France. The hunter, attired in rustic garb with a beret and satchel, is surrounded by alert hounds, while the horse lowers its head to graze. The group rests on an oval naturalistic base mounted on a polished green marble plinth. The patina is rich and warm, with subtle highlights accentuating the modeling. Mêne’s bronzes were highly prized by collectors of the Second Empire and remain enduring symbols of the belle époque fascination with rural and sporting life. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Please note that this lot is located in Europe and will be shipped to the winner from our European warehouse. Dimensions: 10 5/8 × 15 × 7 7/8 in., (27 × 38 × 20 cm.) Condition: Excellent overall condition. Fine surface patina with minor wear to raised areas consistent with age. No visible losses or repairs. The marble base shows light rubbing along the edges.