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The sculpture depicts a scene with wolves engaged in a hunting scenario. The wolves are shown in various poses – one standing alert, another interacting with prey, and a third lying down. The sculpture is dark bronze in color with a textured finish. The material appears to be metal, possibly bronze, highlighting the details of the wolves' fur and muscles. The depiction of the wolves is realistic, emphasizing their natural forms and movements. The base of the sculpture is smooth, contrasting with the rugged surface above. The artist's signature, "R. J. MENE 1847," is inscribed at the front of the base.
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The sculpture depicts a scene with wolves engaged in a hunting scenario. The wolves are shown in various poses – one standing alert, another interacting with prey, and a third lying down. The sculpture is dark bronze in color with a textured finish. The material appears to be metal, possibly bronze, highlighting the details of the wolves' fur and muscles. The depiction of the wolves is realistic, emphasizing their natural forms and movements. The base of the sculpture is smooth, contrasting with the rugged surface above. The artist's signature, "R. J. MENE 1847," is inscribed at the front of the base.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Family of Foxes

Pierre-Jules Mêne

Date
model 1847
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall: 17.1 × 30.5 × 16.5 cm (6 3/4 × 12 × 6 1/2 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Small Bronze
Accession number
1999.79.16
Credit line
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • mammal
  • animal
  • cast
  • Acquired after publication of European [and American] Sculpture of the Nineteenth Century
  • Fox
Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, Upperville, Virginia; bequest 1999 to NGA.

Inscription

on edge near young fox: P.J.MENE.1847

NGA object ID 110266. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.