Pierre-Jules Mene (French, 1810 - 1879): Bronze Sculpture: Chasse au Lapin (Rabbit Hunting), 1870s.

Pierre-Jules Mene (French, 1810 - 1879): Bronze Sculpture: Chasse au Lapin (Rabbit Hunting), 1870s.
Dimensions, approx.: 15 x 8 x 7 inches.
The bronze group also known as Three Dogs Ferreting or Trois Chiens au Terrier and features three very detailed dogs around a rabbit hole under a rock.
First presented in wax at the Exposition Universelle in 1855, and in bronze, at Salon in 1872.
Pierre-Jules Mene was a French sculptor and animalier considered one of the pioneers of animal sculpture in the XIX century.
References:
Catalogue Mene, no.24 (dimensions 20x37x18 cm, priced 250 francs in bronze, 350 francs silver-plated);
Bronze Sculpture of Les Animaliers, Jane Horswell, 1971, p.144;
Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, 2002, pg.205, ph.D18;
Art Bronzes, Michael Forrest, 1988, pg.186, ph.3.67;
Bronzes of the 19th Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p.472 (catalog Mene), p.484 (present model).
Condition Report: No losses or damages. Fine patina throughout. Minor soiling. Please refer to the photos or request additional info. The absence or brevity of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition reports are obtained via email or by phone. Any condition statement given as a courtesy to a client is only an opinion and not to be treated as a statement of fact. Zikorn AH shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.