catalog text
ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE
French, 1795-1875
"Tigre Dévorant une Gazelle (second edition)"
Medium-brown autumnal patinated sand-cast bronze | Signed in cast "BARYE", incised "F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR" | conceived 1857, cast posthumously after 1875, probably circa 1895 | underside incised 654 and in black ink 2093
Item # 401EPP29A
A fine late 19th century casting of Barye's "Tiger Devouring a Gazelle". Originating from two distinct versions, this particular piece embodies the latter design, notable for its refined surface detailing and a more subdued representation of the violent encounter. This contrasts with the earlier version's more impressionistic texture and graphic adherence to realism, including the depiction of the gazelle's belly being opened and its entrails spilled across the ground.
It is interesting to take note of the thematic parallel to Barye's "Tiger Devouring a Gavial," which studied the tiger's natural behavior in subduing a more aggressive prey. The comparative analysis of the intensity and aggression depicted in these works is worth considering, with the present model illustrating a serene aftermath of what was likely a relatively quick and decisive conflict, a sharp contrast to the tension and unresolved struggle evident in the tiger's battle with the crocodile.
This specific casting, executed posthumously not long after Barye's death in 1875, adheres faithfully to the original molds with a finely textured surface throughout. Minimal cold-tooling is evident, with much of the detail and texture directly inherited from the original molds. It is finished in a dark brown primary patination with an underlying autumnal hue coming through the relief, an intentional device to highlight the nuance of the figures.
The model is signed on the base BARYE and incised F. Barbedienne, Fondeur along the base. The underside is marked with a cold-tooled "654" and in black ink "2093".
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- The Barye Bronzes: A Catalogue Raisonne, Stuart Pivar, 1974, A62, p. 159 (premiere edition)
- Barye: Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Poletti & Richarme, 2000, cat. A75 (2), p. 208, ill. 178
Measurements: 5 1/2" H x 5 3/4" D x 13 5/8" W
Condition Report:
Very fine original condition with minimal wear to the patina; carefully cleaned and preserved under wax.