Lot number 3236 - Auction 150
REITENDER AFRIKANER MIT MUSKETE

PIERRE-JULES MÈNE 1810 Paris - 1879 ibid AFRICAN HORSE RIDER WITH MUSKET Bronze, dark patina, on naturalistic plinth (H. 10 cm). Total height 63, W. 45, D. 24 cm. Inscribed 'P. J. Mene' on the plinth. Dynamic animal and equestrian scene of a North African horseman in traditional dress, with headdress and cloak, on a galloping horse. The rider holds the musket leaning against his shoulder in his right hand and the left hand on the saddle. The slain prey lies beneath the horse. The work demonstrates Mène's masterful treatment of both animal and human anatomy and his preference for orientalizing and colonial motifs, which were particularly popular in France in the 19th century. Minimal loss of patina and some.