- 6
Antoine-Louis Barye
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- Antoine-Louis Barye
- Lion assis no. 1 (Seated Lion no. 1)
- signed: BARYE
- bronze, green-brown patina with light brown highlights
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The bronze is cast in sections and some stable original joints are very slightly visible, including at the tail. There is some very minor rubbing to the patina at the high points. There are a few minor nicks and scratches, notably around the edges of the base. The base is slightly warped, causing the bronze to rock very slightly on a level surface.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Barye's Lion Assis was commissioned by Louis Philippe's government on 23rd December 1846 for the sum of 10,000 francs. The life-size cast was first paired with Barye's Lion au Serpent in the Tuilleries gardens and later moved to the entrance of the Pavilion de Flore. A mechanically reversed cast of the Lion Assis was made to pair with it, angering Barye who had wished to create an original companion of a life-size lioness.
Despite the disappointment of this pairing, the model was much admired, particularly by the painter Léon Bonnat who wrote: 'No touch of hesitation in the design, in the full strong form. The great line which sweeps from muzzle to tail is superb, and standing before this bronze one has the feeling that here is might tempered by beauty.'
The Lion Assis was offered as a pendant to Lion au Serpent in Barye's catalogue of 1847. However, casts of the Lion Assis are much rarer than those of its pendant. Another cast of the model is in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.
Despite the disappointment of this pairing, the model was much admired, particularly by the painter Léon Bonnat who wrote: 'No touch of hesitation in the design, in the full strong form. The great line which sweeps from muzzle to tail is superb, and standing before this bronze one has the feeling that here is might tempered by beauty.'
The Lion Assis was offered as a pendant to Lion au Serpent in Barye's catalogue of 1847. However, casts of the Lion Assis are much rarer than those of its pendant. Another cast of the model is in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.
RELATED LITERATURE
M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Barye: Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Paris, 2000, p. 181, no. A 56