
Michael Lake
Head of Department
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£2,500 - £3,500
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Head of Department
Considered to be one of the most commercially successful and prolific animaliers of the 19th century, the sculptor Mêne was taught the basics of metal-foundry, the work of a ciseleur and the principles of sculpture by his father. Later whilst earning his living as a modeller for commercial porcelain outlets in the style popularised by the Sèvres factory, he developed his natural talent as an animal sculptor. In 1838, the first year he exhibited at the Salon, he established his own foundry. The model 'Vainqueur!' depicting a jockey and his wining horse was exhibited at the Salon in 1863 in wax, and a year later in bronze. The group is listed as No. 13 in Mêne's catalogue, entitled "Jockey vainqueur du derby".
Literature
Jane Horswell, Les Animaliers, 1971. p. 151.