A Family of Foxes Possibly 1847

Pierre-Jules Mêne created this bronze sculpture, "A Family of Foxes," using the lost wax casting method. It was a popular means of production, particularly for smaller works intended for domestic display. The sculpture captures a tender, yet vigilant, scene of a fox family, with the parent standing guard over its playful cubs. Mêne's choice of bronze allows for intricate detailing, from the texture of the foxes' fur to the ruggedness of the terrain they inhabit. Bronze lends a sense of permanence and value, elevating the everyday subject to a treasured object. The work reflects the rise of the bourgeoisie in 19th-century France, where animal sculptures were collected as symbols of naturalism and domesticity. Mêne's artistic skill transformed an industrial material into an intimate portrayal of wildlife. This piece challenges traditional art hierarchies by bringing nature, family, and craft into the realm of fine art.