Jules Moigniez

Jules Moigniez (1835 – 1894) was a French ‘animalier’ sculptor born in Senlis.

His speciality was sculpting game birds, but he also modelled dogs, horses and equestrian groups. His bird sculptors are considered to be amongst the best ever produced during his time.

His first exhibition was at the 1855 Exposition Universalle where he showed a plaster called ‘Pointer Stopping at the Pheasant’. He went on to exhibit over thirty works at the annual Salons between 1859 and 1892. His work was also on show at the 1862 London International Exhibition.

His father cast most of Moigniez’s bronzes using the lost wax method in their own foundry established for the purpose in 1857. They continuously experimented with finishes and many of his bronzes were silver-plated, gilded or had unusual patinas applied to them. His work became particularly popular in England and Scotland and by the end of the 19th Century had become very popular in the United States. In comparison to other animaliers of his time, his bases were highly detailed showing bushes, extensive foliage and undergrowth. His castings were of excellent quality and always highly detailed.

Jules Moigniez became ill in 1869 and never recovered. He stopped working and in 1894 took his own life a day after his 59th birthday. He is buried at Saint-Martin-du-Tertre in France.

His bronzes are now very collectable and can fetch thousands of pounds at auction.