Pierre Jules Mêne (1810–1879)

Pierre-Jules Mêne Arab Falconer is a bronze statue that represents one of the most characteristic examples of 19th-century Oriental equestrian representations. The combination of the galloping horse and the falcon perched on the raised arm gives the composition a tense, forward-thrusting momentum, while the harmony between the figure and the animal dominates the overall image. The intricately detailed equipment and the accurate animal anatomy reflect Mêne's virtuoso technical skill. The work is both exotic and disciplined, a mature expression of the romantic orientalism of the era.