* Mêne The Hawker {1881} Loc? [SC]

Mêne, Pierre-Jules (1810-79; French)
The Hawker
Gilt bronze, size unknown
Purchased 1881; sold at auction 1943
Unidentified; present location unknown

This statuette was purchased from the 1881 International Exhibition held in Melbourne, together with Mêne Mare and Foal {1881} Geelong [SC].

While the latter was transferred to the Geelong Gallery in 1943, the present work, described in the NGV’s annual report for 1943 as “reproduced from the original” by Mêne, was auctioned, fetching £17: see 1943 auction of NGV sculpture.

Refs.

AR 1881, p.54 (under “Metal Works”); not listed in NGV 1894 or 1905; NGV 1923, cat.VIII.11; AR 1943, p.38 (noting 1943 auction)