Antoine-Louis Barye

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent with some minor wear to the patina consistent with age and some surface dirt in the crevices. There is a slightly visible original casting joint on the base around Theseus's proper right foot.
"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'.

The present model is a particularly fine cast from Barye's own workshop.

RELATED LITERATURE
R. Ballu, L'Oeuvre de Barye, Paris, 1890, p.91; G. Benge, Antoine-Louis Barye, Sculptor of Romantic Realism, Pennsylvania, 1984, pp.116-118; M. Poletti & A. Richarme, Barye: Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Paris, 2000, nos. F31-F32, pp.106-108