19th Century French Bronze Inkwell With Horse Sculpture Signed p.j. Mêne

Place this elegant antique signed inkwell in a man’s office. Created in France, circa 1870, the bronze desk accessory sits on four small curved feet, and features a tall horse figure standing on a mount flanked with two round ink holders and lids, and embellished with foliage decor. The piece is signed on the facade by French sculptor P. J. Mene. The inkwell is in excellent condition, and adorns a rich bronze patinated finish. It would make a wonderful addition to a desk or writing table.
Pierre-Jules Mêne (1810-1879), was a French sculptor and animalier. He was considered one of the pioneers of animal sculpture in the nineteenth-century. Mêne produced a number of animal sculptures, mainly horse figures. He was one of a school of French animaliers which also included Rosa Bonheur, Paul-Edouard Delabrierre, Pierre Louis Rouillard, Antoine-Louis Barye, his son-in-law Auguste Caïn, and François Pompon.
Measures: 10.5″ W x 10″ D x 9″ H.