Jules Moigniez (French, 1835-1894), Le Grand Heron

Dark patinated bronze, incised signature "J. Moigniez." in the casting, mounted upon an oval socle naturalistically modeled as a shoreline habitat.

21 x 13 x 9 in.

Born in 1835 in Senils, a commune north of Paris near the Chantilly forest, Jules Moigniez was a prolific French animalier sculptor whose work is known for its naturalism and dynamic movement. Moigniez was a student of Paul Comolera (French, 1815-1897), who was highly regarded as a specialist in bird sculpture, a talent undoubtedly fostered in his pupil.
He debuted at the Exposition Universelle in 1855, and contributed regularly to the Paris Salon from 1859 to 1892. Unlike other animaliers of the period, Moigniez works incorporated elaborately detailed base undergrowth to add movement, naturalism and romanticism accentuated with variety of unique paints, including silvered and gilded examples.
An example of Le Grand Heron of similar size (52cm) is published in Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century, A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, pg. 501.

A few stable areas of separation along the casting seams at the bird's neck area; some spotting to the patina and dust soiling; base with small areas of patina loss.