As a rule, the creation of animal figurines is preceded by months, if not years of intensive study. Yet it is certainly worth observing the animals both when they are at rest and moving, if, like Pierre Jules Mêne, you copy them with scientific precision. The French sculptor produced hundreds of animal figurines in bronze. He is considered a commensurate master of his trade. Based on a model he designed in 1850, circa 80 years later he created at Nymphenburg this group of wild dogs playing. This pair is a particular challenge for the master workshops, as the fragile legs have to be added one by one and carefully dried.