Original works of art

Jules Moigniez was born in Senlis sur L'Oise, France in 1835. The son of a metal gilder, Moigniez was a student of Paul Comolera. He debuted at the Exposition Universelle in 1855 with Pointer and Pheasant and Falcon and Weasel each in plaster. It demonstrated his particular interest in specializing in birds like his mentor Paul Comolera (1818-1897). Yet besides his herons, pheasants, swallows, eagles, sparrows and cockerels, Moigniez modelled other animals; dogs, gazelles, mares and chickens as well as hunting scenes; Tiger Hunt, Boar Hunt and some racehorses.
He exhibited regularly at The Salon between 1859 and 1892, and he was a great success not only in France but abroad too; Britain and America principally, where he sold much of his work.
His bronzes were cast by his father, a gilder, who opened a foundry for the purpose. The excellent quality of the casts can be seen as well as the variety of patinas. Certain of these are utterly unique and exquisite. Renowned for the plasticity of his work and for its fine detail, Moigniez’s sculpture always has a certain elegance of attitude.
At The Salon, Moigniez showed plasters as well as bronzes. Especially praised was Pointer Seizing a Pheasant of 1859, a State commission for Le Chateau de Compiegne. Also, Heron and Portrait of a King Charles Spaniel, both 1861, Tiercelet, bird of prey in silver 1863, Pheasant and Weasel 1864, Group of Partridges 1865, also in silver, Eagle 1866, Fighting Sparrows 1867, Chicken Defending her Family 1869.
His bronzes continued to be cast until the beginning of the 20th Century by Auguste Gouge who was his father's successor as head of the foundry. The final piece was a Wounded Partridge cast by Susse and available in three sizes.
His work can be seen at Chateau de Compiegne, the aforementioned Pointer Seizing a Pheasant and Basset Running into the Wind at Mont-de-Marsan.