Bronze, early 20th century casting, signed and dated 1869 in the casting, mounted atop a black marble base.

27.5 x 29 x 15 in.

Pierre-Jules Mene is among the greatest and most prolific of the 19th century French animalières. His earliest bronzes were cast at his own foundry. He exhibited his sculpture with the Paris Salon from 1838 onwards, as well as at London's Great Exhibitions in 1851 and 1862. He was awarded the Legion d?Honneur in 1861.

Upon his death in 1879, the Susse Frères foundry in Paris acquired his models and continued producing high quality castings throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The original of this bronze was commissioned by Napoleon III in 1869.

Three leads to hounds are detached or with later glue repair; appears to have loss to section of proper right boot.

$6,000 - 9,000