Patinated and partly colored bronze
France, 1866
Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) – French sculptor
Signed and dated on the base ‘P. J. MÊNE1866’
Titled ‘VAINQUEUR !!!’
Literature: Poletti/Richarme 2007, p. 45
Dimensions (incl. plinth): 35 x 43 x 21 cm
Good condition
Provenance: German private collection
Masterful depiction of the winning jockey after a race; the current auction record for this work by Mêne is currently set at 15,000 euros

The present bronze titled ‘VAINQUEUR !!!’ (Winner) by the French sculptor Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879) shows a horse and its rider after a successful race executed in the finest manner. The racing horse with saddle, bridle and braided mane lead by a jockey wearing a typical outfit and laurel wreath is rendered in an expressive, life-like manner. The boots, riding hat and saddle are colored in black, the jacket and saddle blanket are colored in green. The horse and the jockey are standing on an oval, naturalistically shaped plinth decorated with wreaths and flower bouquets. Mêne’s works of this kind were highly sought after already during the artist’s lifetime. Today, many of Pierre-Jules Mêne’s works are preserved at the Louvre.



The high-quality original bronze is in good condition with a patina consistent with age. There are minor color abrasions here and there. Part of the whip in the jockey’s left hand is broken and missing. The sculpture is signed on the base ‘P. J. MÊNE’ and measures 35 x 43 x 21 cm (height x length x width).



Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879)

Pierre-Jules Mêne was born in 1810 in Paris. Being an autodidact, he concentrated on naturalistic depictions of animals and developed into a true pioneer of his time. Mêne became very famous for his hunting scenes and especially for his horses that suited the taste of his contemporaries a lot. During his lifetime, the artist made more than 150 models that were highly demanded and even continued to be produced after his death. His works can be found not only in the Louvre, but also in the museums of Marseille, Rouen, La Rochelle and Melbourne.



Literature:

Michel Poletti and Alain Richarme. Pierre-Jules Mêne. Catalogue raisonné. Paris 2007