Sculptor - Pierre Jules Mene
Title - Jiji et Gisella
Sand Cast Bronze
Atelier Pierre Jules Mene
Circa 1850
6" height by 8 3/8" length
(15.3 cm by 21.4 cm)
Mene exhibited a model of this sculpture in the Paris Salon of 1848 and it appears in his catalogue of that same year as sculpture number 93. This model was a very popular bronze after its exhibit at the salon. It is one of the artist's most beloved work and is one of the models that come to mind when the artist is thought of.
The Whippets are named Jiji and Gisella, they are well loved pets. The tension that Mene portrays between the two dogs as they wait to see who will be the first one to move for the ball is uncanny.
This bronze is illustrated in the following books:
Art Bronzes by Michael Forrest, pg. 185
Les Animaliers by Jane Horswell, pg. 123 and 125.
The Animaliers by James MacKay, pg. 112 (Color plate).
Bronzes of the 19th Century by Pierre Kjellberg, pg. 482.
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