Antique French Bronze Setter on Point, P.J. Mêne 19th Century

Period French bronze figure of a setter on point, signed P.J. Mêne, from the workshop tradition of Pierre-Jules Mêne (French, 1810-1879) — the pioneering 19th-century animalier sculptor whose small sporting bronzes defined Second Empire bourgeois taste and remain the reference standard for the genre.

The setter is rendered mid-stride with head lowered, ears pendant, and plume tail extended in a textbook hunting pose drawn from Mêne's celebrated sporting compositions of the 1850s-1860s. Mounted on an integral oval naturalistic ground base with cast tufted grass, signed P.J. MÊNE in raised letters to the side of the base.

Hollow lost-wax cast construction with period foundry core supports visible on the underside — consistent with authentic 19th century French animalier production practice. The patina is original aged surface: dark brown base color with green oxidation collecting in recesses and gold-bronze high-point wear from generations of handling. No breaks, repairs, or losses. Sits flat and stable.

A cabinet-scale period bronze for the library desk, sporting collection, or gentleman's study.

Dimensions: 2 × 3.5 in
Material: Patinated bronze
Origin: France
Period: Second half 19th century
Signed: P.J. MÊNE (cast signature to base)
Condition: Original aged patina with handling wear consistent with age; casting detail fully intact.