GEORGES MARIE BAREAU
French, 1866-1931

"Diana Riding on an Eagle"

Patinated bronze | signed on half-dome base "GEORGES-BAREAU", engraved along lowest edge "F. BARBEDIENNE, fondeur" | cast circa 1910

Item # 406MPZ26S 

An exceedingly beautiful example of Georges Bareau's "Dianne chasseresse chevauchant un aigle" (Diana the Huntress Riding on an Eagle), it depicts the goddess in a graceful curve as she pulls her body backwards to draw the unseen strings of the bow. From the tip of her head to the tip of her toes, her body creates a gentle bow-like curve. The eagle turns his head upwards as his every muscle tightens, about to lift off from the rocky perch for flight.

Originally modeled in marble as Diane Casseresse and exhibited at Salon in 1899, Bareau subsequently contracted with the firm of Ferdinand Barbedienne to have the example cast in several reductions. This example was cast during the first years of the 20th century and is a very fine example of his work. Signed in the domed base "GEORGES-BAREAU" and engraved by the foundry "F. BARBEDIENNE, fondeur" in tidy script along the edge of the rim.

Born Georges Marie Valentin Bareau in Paimboeuf on April 11th of 1866, Bareau was a studen of Èmile Thomas and exhibited at the Paris Salon starting in 1893 where he exhibited his first major work, "Dying Leander". He won the Prix de Paris in 1895 and a first class medal in 1897. The same year he was made a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur and was awarded a gold medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1900. He was made an officier of the Legion d'Honneur in 1908. His major contributions include "La Gloire" (1889), Dvaid Chantant devant Saul" (1893), La Fortune (1894), L'Histoire (1898), Diane chasseresse (1899), Le Temps et la Sagesse (1903), La Reveil de l'Humanite (1906) and his stone group of L'Art asiatique for the Grand Palais in Paris.

Measurements: 23 7/8" H x 7 1/2" D (base) x 17 1/2" W (at widest point)

Condition Report:
A very fine presentation with a well-preserved original patina throughout that has been polished by our conservator and sealed in conservator's wax. Some wear to the high relief points, some trace discolorations and variations in the patina throughout, a spot of discoloration to the bottocks. Ready to place.