Mene

Pierre Jules Mene (1810 -1879) was a French sculptor who pioneered animal sculptures and became a leading animalier of his time.

He worked mainly in bronze, producing small figures of mainly domesticated animals such as sheep, goats, cows, bulls and horses which were particularly popular during the time of the French Second Empire (1852-1870). He was part of the ‘French school of animaliers’ which also had Bayre, Bonheur, Delabrierre, Pompon and Rouillard as members.

Regarded as the leading lost-wax casting expert resulting in high quality work which exceeded that of other animaliers of his time, he enjoyed a longer period of celebrity and success than the others. His work was a popular success and there were often many editions made.

He was also very prolific and as a result there have been many reproductions and forgeries of his work meaning that his pieces are sometimes devalued in the current market. Yet, original pieces cast during his lifetime do bring good prices at auction.

He died in Paris in 1879 and is remembered as one of the best animaliers of all time.