December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
20th century bronze sculpture, after Jules Moigniez of an eagle landing on a branch. With a 23" wingspan this dignified eagle has its wings lifted and his head turned to the side, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Textured feathers, a rugged branch and rock base, and sharp talons show Moigniez’s artistry at the lost wax process. The bronze sculpture sits atop a marble base and is 30" tall with the base included. Jules Moigniez (1835-1894) was a French sculptor widely known for his highly detailed bronze works depicting dynamic wildlife. After studying under Paul Cromolera, Moigniez made a name for himself at his first exhibition in 1855 at the Exposition Universelle. Since then, he continued to show his works on a yearly basis. While many artists at the time focused solely on the subject, Moigniez incorporated highly detailed bases to accommodate his various animals. In America and England, his bird sculptures gained massive popularity and he soon became better known for his birds. After Jules Moigniez’s tragic death in 1894, his father continued to cast his son’s bronzes from the foundry he purchased. Just before Moigniez’s father also passed away, he sold the foundry and his casts to Auguste Gouge, who once cast bronzes for Paul Cromolera. Gouge continued to produce Moigniez’s bronze sculptures until just after WWI. Eagle sculptures, such as this, gained such popularity in America because of the symbolic and historical meanings associated with the elegant bird. CONDITION: Excellent. BRM.