"GOLDEN PHEASANT" FRENCH BRONZE SCULPTURE

Large antique gilt bronze pheasant sculpture, signed Jules Moigniez (French, 1835-1894) and dated 1857, height 33cm (13in) and length 78.7cm (31in); Jules Moigniez was a French animalier sculptor who worked during the 19th century; he primarily cast in bronze and exhibited his works at the Paris Salon; Moigniez was perhaps best known for his bronzes depicting birds, although his skill and versatility enabled him to produce quality horse sculptures, dog sculptures and hunting scenes; according to experts, his bird sculptures were among the finest ever created in his time