catalog text
"PANTHÈRE DE TUNIS NO. 2" AFTER A MODEL BY ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE (FRENCH, 1796-1875)
Signed in base "BARYE", incised to edge "F. Barbedienne Fondeur"; cast after 1875
Item # 002VUK19P
A good posthumous sand-cast model of Panthère de Tunis No. 2 by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne, this sculpture retains it's silky original mottled brown and green patina. Typical of the work by Barbedienne, the surface is expertly chased and filed.
Originally modeled in 1840, the panther is restive and curious in his relaxed pose; despite the relaxed posture of the cat, 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 in 1875 and records show they offered it in their catalogues in 1877, 1887 and 1893 for 45 francs.
The finish glows with a nearly translucent patina. The underside of the cast is finished in a gilt wash and has the production marking "37" incised.
Literature & Further Reading:
- Barye: Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures, Poletti & Richarme, p. 222, f. 194
- 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
Measurements: 7 5/8" W x 3 5/8" H x 2 5/8" D
Condition Report:
Minor patina wear to the tail, other very light handling wear. Overall in exceptional condition.