A PAIR OF FRENCH BRONZE GROUPS ENTITLED 'AVANT LA COURSE' AND 'RETOUR AU PESAGE'

Most of Jules Moigniez's bronzes were cast by his father, who was a metal gilder by training. Their foundry was established in 1857 solely for the purpose of producing Moigniez's bronzes. The detail in these casts by father and son is exceptional. Many of the bronzes were gilded, silver-plated or had very different and unusual patinas. The Moigniezs' were constantly experimenting with new finishes. Jules Moigniez became ill in 1869 and never recovered. He produced no new models from that date on and in 1894 he took his own life. Moigniez's father continued casting his son's works after his tragic death. Upon senior's death the foundry as well as all of the plasters and models were sold to Auguste Gouge. Gouge continued to produce Moigniez's sculpture until after the First World War when styles and tastes changed.