Bronze Inkwell Les Moutons à L'Abreuvoir Sculpture by Jules Moigniez

Bronze inkwell sculpture with nuanced brown patination. Two ink pots are cleverly hidden at either end of the sculpture: One in the stump of the tree and the other under a rock. Moigniez' intricate work on the surface of the piece created a true-to-life rendering of the sheep's fleece. The bucket is removable. The group is set on an oval, brass base. Signed on the base: J. Moigniez. Jules Moigniez (French, 1835-1894) was a student of Paul Comolera and his attraction to animal sculpture comes from his studies with his teacher. His most plentiful subjects were game birds but he also sculpted dogs, sheep, horses and equestrian groups. Moigniez first recorded exhibit was at the Exposition Universelle of 1855, where he exhibited a plaster titled "Pointer stopping at a Pheasant." He exhibited regularly at the annual Salons from 1859 until 1892. He also exhibited in England at the London International Exhibition of 1862 where he found a very receptive audience. Moigniez was a successful sculptor in France as well as in England and America where the majority of his sculptures were sold. Most of Moigniez bronzes were cast by his father, who was a gilder. Their foundry was established in 1857 for the purpose of producing Moigniez bronze. Many of Moigniez bronzes were gilded, silver plated or had different and unusual patinas applied to them as the Moigniez' were constantly experimenting with new finishes for their market. Moigniez father kept casting his son's works after his death and upon his fathers death the foundry as well as all of the plasters and models were sold to Auguste Gouge, who continued to produce Moigniez sculpture until after the First World War, circa 1870. Dimensions: L 12.2 in, W 6.3 in, H 8.3 in. Dimensions: L 31 cm, W 16 cm, H 21 cm.