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"; underside incised "24 / Z"; cast after 1875
Item # 102PKJ20W
An exceedingly fine posthumous cast of Barye's Panther of Tunisia no. 2 executed by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne, this piece retains it's silky original overall nearly translucent mottled brown patination with complex underlying tones of red, orange and green. Barbedienne acquired the cast of this model at the auction after Barye's death in 1875, and this particular example was executed shortly thereafter circa the last quarter of the 19th century.
Typical of the early posthumous casts, the texture captured directly from the mold is exquisite with only minimal surface chasing and filing necessary to bring out the details. 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.
Literature:
- Barye: Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures, Poletti & Richarme, p. 221-2
- The Barye Bronzes, A Catalogue Raisonné, Stuart Pivar, p. 166
- 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, noting the Panther of Tunis as being 25 cm in length and 13 cm in height with a price of 55 francs]
Measurements: 10 1/4" W x 3 1/2" D x 4 7/8" H
Condition Report:
Exceptional condition; very minor patina wear. No observed flaws.