Workshop of Barthélemy Prieur

golden brown patina, on later green veined marble base

Christie's New York, November 18, 1978, lot 227, (label on  underside); Cyril Humphris, London

General surface abrasions, some small dents. Repair at ankle of lion's back proper right leg. Very small old lead fill between tail and back of rear leg. Rich brown patina and remains of dark brown lacquer. Minor chipping to marble base.
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.

RELATED LITERATURE

Bode and Draper, 1980; Radcliffe, Baker and Maek-Gérard 1992, no. 57, pp. 296-303; Radcliffe and Penny 2004, pp. 210-215

This particular type of lion, with a large head, wrinkled face, boldly modelled curls in the mane, slender body and elegant gait appears in other bronzes by the French royal sculptor Barthélemy Prieur, such as his Lion Devouring a Doe in the Robert H. Smith Collection (Radcliffe and Penny 2004, op. cit., no. 36) and his Lion Devouring a Horse from the Cyril Humphris Collection sold Sotheby's New York, January 11, 1995, lot 58.

Other casts of this model include one in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection (see Radcliffe, Baker, Maek-Gérard 1992, op. cit., no. 57) and another in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (see Bode and Draper 1980, op. cit., fig. 50).