French Bronze Pheasant and Weasel by Jules Moigniez

Description Pheasant and Weasel  From our Sculpture Collection, we are pleased to present this exceptional French Bronze Pheasant and Weasel by the celebrated animalier sculptor Jules Moigniez. This late 19th century belle époque work, dating to circa 1870, captures a moment of sudden tension in the wild. The large male Pheasant, rendered in exquisite detail, stands alert upon a rugged rocky outcrop, every feather individually cast to convey texture and realism. Beneath the foliage at the base, a weasel emerges from its hiding place, startling the pheasant mid-step. The interaction between predator and prey is masterfully conveyed, showcasing Moigniez’s skill in freezing dynamic movement into Bronze. The foliage, rocks, and animal forms are intricately modelled, with sharp claws, delicately incised plumage, and naturalistic plant forms providing visual richness from every angle. The sculpture is signed J. Moigniez to the front left of the base. Jules Moigniez (1835–1894) was renowned for his highly finished, lively animal studies, and this piece exemplifies his ability to imbue bronze with both lifelike vitality and artistic refinement. Works of this scale and complexity from Moigniez are increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide. This fine example would make a statement centrepiece in any interior, equally suited to a private collection of 19th century French sculpture or as an impressive decorative focal point. Jules Moigniez (1835-1894) Jules Moigniez (1835–1894) was a renowned French sculptor celebrated for his finely detailed bronze animals, especially birds, dogs, horses and hunting scenes. Trained under Paul Comoléra in Paris, he mastered the lost wax casting technique, producing bronzes with rich patinas and lifelike detail. His work was hugely popular in Britain and later in the United States, where over half of his sculptures were sold. Moigniez remains one of the most collected 19th century animaliers, admired for the quality, character and naturalism of his bronzes. For further information see our makers and retailers page on Jules Moigniez (1835-1894). BRONZE Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today. For further information please see our article on bronze Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques. Belle Epoque is a period of French, Belgian and European history. It began in the early 1870’s and to ended with the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Measurements 55cm High x 53cm Wide x 25.5cm Deep (21.65 x 20.9 x 10 Inches) Condition  Very Good condition With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.