Jules Moigniez (French, 1835-1894), Bronze Model of Two Merino Sheep

Mid-19th century, patinated bronze, signed "J. Moigniez" to the naturalistic terrace, the scene depicting a recumbent ewe and standing yearling.

7 x 10 3/4 x 5 1/2 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.

Good estate condition; some light dust soiling to crevices and a few areas of wear to the patina; two small mounting holes to the oval terrace sides.

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