Lot Essay
Pierre Jules Mêne (1810-1871) is considered to be one of the most successful and prolific animaliers of his days, especially in commercial terms. Mêne's father, who was a skilled metal worker, taught his son the basics of metal-foundry, the work of a ciseleur and the principles of sculpture. While earning his living as a modeller for commercial porcelain outlets in the style popularised by the Sèvre factory, he developed his natural talent as an animal sculptor. In 1838, the first year he exhibited at the Salon, he established his own foundry. After 1857 an illustrated catalogue of Mêne's work, together with the exact size of each sculpture, was issued. The catalogue was probably compiled by Auguste-Nicolas Cain (1822-1894), Mêne's son-in-law, after Mêne's death. The model by Mêne entitled "Vainqueur", from which the group on offer is cast, is richly detailed: the floor strewn with victory flowers, the proud horse prancing excitedly. It was exhibited at the Salon in 1863 in wax, and a year later in bronze. The group is No. 13 in Mêne's catalogue, entitled "Jockey vainqueur du derby". (C. Payne, Animals in Bronze, Woodbridge, 1986)
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