PIERRE-JULES MÈNE (1810–1875) Toreador Spada Matador, 1877 model Bronze proof with a golden-brown patina Signed and dated 1877 on the pedestal Early edition cast A rare model from the artist’s lifetime 54 x 25 x 23 cm Provenance Estate sale of Mr D. Issert, La Grande Combe, 26 April 1998 Private collection Bibliography Michel Poletti, Alain Richarme, ‘Pierre-Jules Mène, 1810–1879: catalogue raisonné’, Paris, 2007, model listed under no. F 18 and reproduced on page 47 (ill. 34) Golden brown patinated bronze Signed and dated 1877 on the base Ancient cast 21 1/4 x 9 7/8 x 9 in.