Antoine-Louis Barye

The overall condition of the bronze is good. There is some wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some dryness to the patina in the crevices. Many of the joints in the bronze are visible, particularly the joint at the left arm of Theseus.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Barye based the figure of Theseus on a drawing by Henry Fuseli of an executioner which was taken in turn from a fresco of the Beheading of John the Baptist by Andrea del Sarto in the Monastero dello Scalzo, Florence. Further inspiration comes from a sheet of drawings of boxers by Géricault. The strictly archaic Greek Theseus, his hair stylised and linear and legs planted firmly apart, makes a composed combatant for the more romantically conceived minotaur. The contrast subtly underlines the triumph of good over evil. Ballu considered the model 'one of Barye's most masterful works and certainly one of the masterpieces of French sculpture' (R. Ballu 1890).

Barye later refined his 1843 model, producing a second version with a different base. At the 1876 vente Barye the bronze and plaster model of this second version was one of the most keenly contested lots, eventually being sold to Goupil with the intention of being edited by Barbedienne. The present cast is a rare edition marked with the Collection F. Barbedienne pastille, considered to have been used in the years immediately following Barye's death. Another example of this edition appeared as lot 171, Sotheby's London 10 December 2002.

RELATED LITERATURE
Ballu, p.91; Benge, pp.116-118; Poletti & Richarme (2000), nos.F31-F32, pp.106-108