catalog text
PANTHERE DE L’INDE NO 1 AFTER MODEL BY ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE (FRENCH, 1796-1875)
Gold FB edition, incised “F. Barbedienne Fondeur”, inscribed "7386 ur” to underside of cast
Item # 607PZA20W
A most fine cast by the firm of Ferdinand Barbedienne, the Panther of India No. 1 was originally listed in Barye’s catalogue of 1855, noted by Poletti as having exhibition in 1860. A posthumous cast probably circa 1880, it is sealed with Barbedienne’s earliest mark - the raised and gilded F.B. along the front right edge. The reverse of the sculpture is also incised “F. Barbedienne Founder” and the underside of the cast inscribed with the foundryman’s markings of “7386 ur”. Retaining an exceptional and highly complex patina, the sculpture is finished in a rich mix of greenish blacks over reddish oxide undertones with hints of brown along raised edges. The detailing is exquisite, every ripple of the naturalistic base perfectly rendered, the complex coat of the panther finely chased and filed with Barye’s blend of anatomical exactness with a gentle touch of impressionism in the form. For the serious collector of fine animalier subjects, this is an outstanding selection that remains untouched and in nearly perfect condition.
Museums in possession of "Panthére de l'Inde no. 1":
- The Louvre Museum (Paris)
- Brooklyn Museum of Art (New York)
- Victoria & Albert Museum (London)
- Museum of Fine Arts (Boston)
- Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge)
- Corcoran Gallery (Washington)
- Walters Art Gallery (Baltimore)
Literature:
- Barye: Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures, Poletti & Richarme, 2000, p. 219
- The Barye Bronzes, A Catalogue Raisonné, Stuart Pivar, 1974, p. 165 [A71: “Reclining Panther, Panther couchée”]
- 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 Panthére de l'Inde as being 25 cm in length and 13 cm in height with a price of 55 francs]
- Animals in Bronze, Christopher Payne, 2002, p. 130
- Bronze Sculpture of “Les Animaliers”, Jane Horswell, 1971, p. 63
Measurements: 5 1/8” H x 10 3/4" W x 3 1/2" D
Condition Report:
Exceptional condition, original patina, no flaws.