19th C. French Bronze Miniature Dog & Bird – Signed J. Moigniez (Solid Cast)

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for opinions on this 19th-century French Animalier bronze cabinet miniature featuring a hunting dog standing over a game bird.

Details & Specs:
Artist: Signed "J. Moigniez" in script on the base.
Dimensions: 3.25" L x 2.25" H
Weight: 7.3 oz
Construction: Solid metal casting (no hollow cavity) with a flat base covered in an original red wax.

1.Based on the sharpness of the hand-chasing (collar buckle, muscle tone, oak leaf base) and the signature depth, does this look to be an original lifetime cast from Jean-Baptiste Moigniez’s foundry, or an early posthumous release (e.g., Auguste Gouge late 19th/early 20th century)?

2.Is solid casting typical for Moigniez miniatures of this scale (3 inches), or was this likely produced as a high-end paperweight or desk object?

Photos of the full piece, close-ups of the signature/chasing, ruler measurements, and the base lining are attached below. Any insights on foundry attribution or period accuracy would be greatly appreciated!

 

Don't forget to add the photos

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/are-u-a-new-member-just-found-this-site-look-here-1st.84307/

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/are-u-a-new-member-just-found-this-site-look-here-2nd.92158/

 

I can't tell.....seems t be a few of em...... w/unreliable attribution..

 

This may be were you found some information in your post.
https://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/bio/m/moigniez/biograph.html

Most of Moigniez's bronzes were cast by his father, who was a metal glider by training. Their foundry was established in 1857 solely for the propose of producing Moigniez's bronzes.

Moigniez's father kept casting his son's works after his tragic death and upon his fathers death the foundry as well as all of the plasters and models were sold to Auguste Gouge, who cast most of Paul Comolera's works. Gouge continued to produce Moigniez's sculpture until after the First World War when styles and tastes changed.