Antoine-Louis Barye

The collection of the photographer Peter Henry Emerson (1856-1936);
Thence by descent

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with some wear to the patina consistent with handling. The tail is slightly loose.
"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."

Peter Henry Emerson was born in Cuba where his father was a sugar plantation owner. He moved to the United States and then to England in 1869. He attend Clare College, Cambridge and earnt a medical degree in 1885. He quickly abandonned his career as a surgeon to pursue writing and photography, which he had discovered originally as a tool for recording his interest in ornithology. He published his first volume of prints in 1886 and went on to produce a number of albums, including his Marsh Leaves of 1895, which is generally considered his best work. In his writings he promoted naturalistic photography, rejecting the use of multiple images overlaid. All his photograph were taken in a single shot and were not retouched.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Barye. Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Paris, 2000, no. A42, fig. 123, p. 163