Jules Moigniez, Antique Ink Stand, Bird on Branch Sculpture, 1870s, White Bronze

"Bird on Branch" sculpture, antique ink stand by Jules Moigniez, white bronze, signed in sculpting material, "J. Moigniez," c.1870s-1890s. No other such ink stand by Moigniez could be found for reference.

The stand is c.9" x 8" [22.8cm x 20.3cm], c.4" [10.2cm] tall including bird's tail, white bronze, some original green, silvered and gilded patina. The two branches between the bird and main body were broken and are repaired, the hinge of one of the inkwells is broken. [see photos] Good / very good condition.

The stand is heavy, while the two branches consist of thin aging bronze, therefore they cannot hold the pressure of such weight. The stand can be easily lifted by holding the main body [leaves] -- it should NOT be lifted by holding the bird. Such sensitive construction could be the reason why this ink stand is so unique.

Jules Moigniez (1835-1894) was a French animalier sculptor. His output was primarily cast in bronze and he frequently exhibited his sculptures at the Paris Salon. He was best known for his bronzes depicting birds, although his skill and versatility enabled him to produce quality horse sculptures (primarily racehorses), dog sculptures and hunting scenes. His bird sculptures were among the finest ever created in his time.

Moigniez studied sculpture under the tutelage of Paul Comolera (a student of Francois Rude) in Paris. It is quite likely that Moigniez's attraction to bird sculpture was a direct result of his education under Comolera, who was himself a bird specialist.

Moigniez's father bought a foundry to cast his son's sculptures, which was of great benefit to Moigniez as he didn't have the added foundry costs that most of his contemporaries had to pay. Over the course of his 40-year sculpting career Moigniez exhibited thirty works at the Salon between 1855-92. In contrast with other animaliers of the period such are P. J. Mene and Antoine-Louis Barye, Moigniez's bird sculptures often incorporated highly detailed bases complete with bushes, extensive foliage and undergrowth. His castings were generally of excellent quality with a variety of patinas, the gilded and silvered patinas being the most desirable and sought after by collectors.

As early as December 1869 his sculptures had begun to be imported to the United States by the Philadelphia jewelry firm of J. E. Caldwell & Co. who had a store at 902 Chesnut Street. The store also advertised works by Gregoire, Carrier-Belleuse, Mene, and other French sculptors.



Rates vary per zone/ country -estimates only [not incl. zone 9/10], we will adjust shipping costs with the invoice.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) ---------- $50.50
Canada: Priority (c.2-6 weeks) ----- $78.50
World: Priority (c.2-8 weeks) ----- $130.50