Mene Pierre Jules

Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810–1877) was a prominent French animalier sculptor. Having learned casting and chasing in his youth, Mêne began his career creating models for the Sèvres porcelain manufactory but gained fame for his bronze animal sculptures. His works, first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1838, were acclaimed for their lyricism, expressiveness, and the artist's technical mastery in personally overseeing the casting and patination processes. Mêne was awarded the Legion of Honour, and his models were frequently cast at leading foundries in Europe and Russia, including the Kasli plant.