catalog text
FINE BRONZE SCULPTURE OF “BASSET ASSIS” AFTER MODEL BY ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE
Signed in cast “F. Barbedienne Fondeur” and “Barye”, ca. 1877 [underside noted in ink "8010 ui", engraved "24"]
Item # 607MGWP
Originally modeled by Barye for exhibit in 1841, the full title of this sculpture is “Basset Assis: poils longs, tête tournée à gauche” (Seated Basset Hound: long hair, head turned left), differentiating from the opposing sculpture of a rightward facing hound sculpted at the same time. The foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne acquired the model and rights to produce it after Barye’s death, the present model an exquisite example of their skill during the last quarter of the 19th century. Finely chiseled and cast without flaw, the work retains the original silky greenish-brown patina, this remaining in very good condition with no observed flaws. The inscription of “F. Barbedienne Fondeur” is chiseled into the naturalistic base opposing the “Barye” signature by the hound’s other rear foot. The underside retains the foundry markings and lot engraving of “8010 ui” and “24”. The sculpture is accompanied by a conforming green marble base, probably not original but retaining an old Christies label beneath.
For collectors of fine Animalier subjects, this is a most excellent acquisition in a perfect state of preservation.
Literature:
- Barye: Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures, Poletti & Richarme, 2000, p. 152
- The Animaliers, Mackay, 1973, p. 143 [compiled listing from Guillaume’s catalogue of Barye’s work c. 1889; Sitting Basset-Hound noted as 14cm/5.5” H]
- The Barye Bronzes, A Catalogue Raisonné, Stuart Pivar, 1974, p. 127 [A23: “Seated Basset; Basset Assis”]
- The Founders and Editors of the Barye Bronzes, J. G. Reinis, 2007, p. 43-47 [discussion of the role of the F. Barbedienne firm in production of Barye sculpture], p. 31 [reproduction of Catalogue des Bronzes de A.-L Barye 1874, noting the Basset assis as being 26 cm in length and 14 cm in height with a price of 55 francs]
- Bronze Sculpture of “Les Animaliers”, Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 26 [noting this work as held in the collection of the Louvre, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Detroit Institute of Arts, Worcester Art Museum, and the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery]
-
Christies, New York, Sale 1296 “Barye Bronzes: An Important Collection”, lot 45, “Basset assis” 5 3/16” H, achieved $ 7,130 USD
Measurements: 5 3/16” H x 10 3/8” L x 3 3/4” D
Condition Report:
Excellent original patina in good condition. Conforming marble base probably later and with an applied acrylic barrier, retaining old Christies label underneath. New threaded rods included to join sculpture to marble base if desired.