catalog text
PANTHER OF TUNISIA AFTER A MODEL BY ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE (FRENCH, 1796-1875)
Signed BARYE and F. Barbedienne Fondeur; circa 1877, production markings to underside of casting
Item # 809OPP15P
An exceedingly fine sand casting by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne, this piece retains it's silky original mottled brown, golden bronze and green patina (the images do not properly capture the green hue). The surface is expertly chased and filed, the detail of the figure precise and very fine - note the sharpness of each claw. Originally modeled in 1840, the panther is restive and curious in his relaxed pose; despite the quiet nature of the sculpture, the raw power of the animal is conveyed in the handsome sculpting of his tense muscles. Barbedienne acquired models of Barye’s work after his death, this casting being executed shortly thereafter during the last quarter of the 19th century. Note the careful working of the panther’s skin, the texturing of his fur and exquisite attention to the smaller areas: his eyes, nose, paws. The finish is very fine with a nearly translucent patina that is characteristic in Barbedienne's earlier models. Around the turn of the century, they changed their signature from “F. Barbedienne Fondeur” to “F. Barbedienne Fondeur, Paris”. The underside of the cast is inscribed in script "599 ag” with “6” and “D” production markings cold stamped into the inside. This cast is a very fine acquisition for the serious collector of animalier sculptures.
Measurements: 3 1/2” H x 7 3/4” W x 2 3/4” D
Literature:
- Barye: Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures, Poletti & Richarme
- The Barye Bronzes, A Catalogue Raisonné, Stuart Pivar
- The Founders and Editors of the Barye Bronzes, J. G. Reinis, 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]
- Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne
- Bronze Sculpture of “Les Animaliers”, Jane Horswell
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg
Condition Report:
Minor patina wear to the tail, other very light handling wear. Overall in exceptional condition.