Inaugural Fine and Decorative Arts Sale
Lot 148:
Description
Offered in Mêne’s 1846 catalog as Cerf mangeant une branche d’arbre no. 2, the present model is a crisply textured 19th century cast situated over an entirely naturalistic base without an edge profile, typical of Mene’s early casts. A very fine example with inordinately rich surface texture throughout. It has some variation compared to to the No. 1 and No. 3 renditions of this model, notably in the form of the tree with its trunk split open, the arrangement of various branches and elements on the forest floor and signature placement.
The tiny twisted sprig that the stag is reaching up to taste is missing in the present cast. A rich surface with a complex patina of golden browns, blacks, hints of a reddish undertone. Note the exquisite casting quality, with even the tiny incised hairs hatched along the length of the leg, precise antlers that are needle sharp to the touch and a rippling anatomy.
9 1/2" W x 3 1/2" D x 8 1/2" H
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Condition: Branch is missing from the top of the tree trunk. Carefully cleaned and waxed, original patina remaining in excellent overall condition. Very minor handling wear to patina.
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Dimensions: 8.5 x 9.5 x 3.5 in
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