Hunt Plaque of Hare & Pheasant (1850) | Pierre-Jules Mene

PIERRE-JULES MÊNE
French, 1810-1879

"Plaque Lièvre et Faisan" (1850)

Sand-cast patinated bronze | engraved signature "P.J. MÊNE 1850" | probably posthumously cast circa 1880

Item # 311WIP09A  A finely cast example of Mêne's hunting group "Plaque of a Hare and Pheasant" originally modeled in 1850, the present cast is likely a lifetime example, though perhaps was cast under the direction of Auguste Cain just after Mêne's death. The ciseling and engraving work are very fine throughout and the reverse presents with early joinery associated with the 1870s, a cast that features slotted screws that were ground down affixing the sand-cast elements from the reverse.

This plaque was often retailed within a molded hardwood frame to allow for a tidy presentation, but if this particular example was ever in a frame is unknown as there is no rubbing or oxidization match-ups that would suggest a frame.

The model was released by Mêne from his personal foundry in 1850 and continues to be included in Cain's catalog when he was casting for the benefit of Julie Mêne in 1901 where it was offered as Plaque lièvre et faisan (nature morte encadrée) for 55 francs. It was still being cast by Susse Freres in their 1908 catalogue, where they offered it with the hardwood frame for 70 francs. Artist Listings & Bibliography: Pierre-Jules Mêne: Catalogue Raisonne, Poletti & Richarme, 2007, p. 200, cat. NM 8, ill. 265
Measurements: 12" H x 6 1/2" W x 1" D Condition Report:
Rabbit forepaw is missing. Two tiny holes drilled in the upper for mounting the plaque. Trace discoloration to the patina. Carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator's grade wax. Unframed - these often were sold with a molded hardwood frame, which may have been separated from the model at one point - the two tiny holes would likely have been covered by the edges of the frame. A fine presentation.