Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1871) Jockey a Cheval Horse Equestrian Group Bronze Sculpture

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This finely cast and patinated bronze of horse and jockey, in French known as Vainqueur du Derby, depicts Caractacus, winner of The Derby of 1862, and was cast after a model by the accomplished animalier sculptor, Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1871).  It dates from the 19th century and resides on a period ebonized wooden pedestal with expertly painted gold title, Mene.  Measures 18 x 19 x 7 in, 46 x 48 x 18 cm.  Foundry is unknown, but the quality of the casting and mounting suggests it comes from Barbedienne or Susse Freres.

Mene exhibited at Paris Salon and in Great Britain at the Great Exhibitions of  1851 and 1862. Caractacus was the surprise and popular winner of the the 1862 Epsom Derby, commonly known as the Derby Stakes or simply, The Derby. Throughout the nineteenth century this race for three year old thoroughbreds was the largest and richest race in Great Britain, held annually at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey.  According to Sotheby's,  the original sculpture in wax was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1863, and was issued in bronze in two sizes the following year in the artist's catalogue as number 16, and entitled Jockey a Cheval.  Literature: p. 349, Animals in Bronze - Reference and Price Guide,Christopher Payne, 1986, Antique Collectors Club Ltd.; pp. 152-153, The Dictionary of Sculptors in Bronze, James A. MacKay, 1992, Antique Collectors Club Ltd.; pp. 152-153, Les Animaliers, Janes Horswell, 1971, ACC Art Books.

Another casting of the subject in slightly smaller size was offered in lot 24 of Sotheby's sale of Property from an Important North American Collector, in New York on April 15, 2015, with an estimate of $5,000-$7,000 and hammer price of $11,250.

Item Details

Reference #:
ha-1922
Quantity
1
Category
Fine Art
SubCategory
Sculptures
Department
Antiques (approx100yrs)
Year
19th Century
Dimensions
(Width x Height X Depth)
x x
Weight
Unknown
Condition
Very Good
Material
bronze