Jules Moigniez (French, 1835-1894), Gilt Bronze Group of a Merino Sheep Family

Bronze with gilt patina, signed J. Moigniez to the naturalist terrace edge, the well modeled pastoral group featuring a proud ram with two sheep and a lamb on a rocky naturalistic base with fence behind.

12 1/2 x 18 x 8 in.

Private Collection, Roanoke, Virginia

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.

Literature: Kjellberg, Pierre, Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century, A Dictionary of Sculptors, pages 495-501.

Areas of oxidation and wear to the patina; small pin point hole to the base between the ewe's back hooves.

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