Antoine-Louis Barye

signed BARYE, and stamped F. BARBEDIENNE. Fondeur

In good condition with some minor rubbing and wear to the back of the lion and with some very minor scratches overall.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present bronze of the Lion qui Marche was cast during Barye's lifetime. As such, the model maintains the freshness and detail expected of an edition close to the master model (now lost).

The original Lion was modelled by Barye around 1840 together with a pendant, Tigre qui Marche. Both were included in the 1844 catalogue issued by the firm of Besse et Cie. The description mentions the pure, natural beauty and power of Barye's Lion. The earthy realism of Barye's lion would have stood in contrast to the Neoclassical depictions of lions as decoration subordinate to larger compositions.

From 1850 to 1857, thirty casts of Barye's Lion are recorded as having been sold and it is estimated that only sixty were cast during the sculptor's lifetime. The model's popularity did not abate. The Barbedienne foundry edited an extraordinary number of casts of the Lion qui Marche from the year after Barye's death through to the mid-twentieth century. Life casts are, therefore, quite rare and highly sought. They preserve the brilliance of Barye's original invention.