Figure of a Retriever c. 1840 - 1860

This is Pierre-Jules Mêne’s, “Figure of a Retriever,” a bronze sculpture made sometime in the 19th century. Mêne was a prominent animalier, a sculptor specializing in animal subjects during a period when representing animals became incredibly fashionable in Europe. Think about what it meant to portray animals, specifically dogs, during the 1800s. This was a period of colonialism and industrialization, where the relationships between humans, animals, and nature were being transformed. Dogs, like the retriever here, often symbolized loyalty and were closely associated with the leisure activities of the upper classes, like hunting. Mêne's sculptures weren’t just about portraying animals; they reflected social hierarchies, cultural values, and the changing relationship between humans and the natural world. How does it feel to look at this symbol of domesticity? The sculpture invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in our relationships with animals, and how these relationships mirror broader societal structures.