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“Lion Marchant” Antique French Bronze Sculpture by Antoine L. Barye, Barbedienne

Creator: Antoine-Louis Barye -Ferdinand Barbedienne
Offered by: Silla, ltd.

Description
Originally conceived in 1840, the Lion Qui Marche was modeled by Barye as a development from his almost identical bas-relief plaques of Roaring Lion and Lion of the Zodiac. Influence for the model is perhaps somewhat owed to Visconti's "Walking Lion" held at the Musée Pie-Clémentin, a more romantic anthropomorphic modeling of this powerful beast. The present example was cast by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne posthumously after they acquired the rights to the model at the sale of Barye's estate in 1875. Signed in the naturalistic rectangular base "F. Barbedienne Fondeur", the model is late 19th century and was probably cast in 1890. It is finished in a nearly black patina with traces of the underlying bronze hues where handling has relieved the surface, the overall result being complex and quite wonderful.

We also have acquired from the same collection the pair to this work, Tigre Qui Marche. Check our full gallery inventory for the availability of that work, as the two present very powerfully when situated together. They have not been available on the market since they were acquired from the Emma Rockefeller McAlpine collection in 1935.

Literature & Further Reading:

Barye: Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures, Richarme and Poletti, 2000, p.187-189, f. A61
The Barye Bronzes: A Catalogue Raisonné, Stuart Pivar, 1974, p.147, f. A48 [noted as 23 x 40 cm, catalog number B51 in Barye's catalog]
Antoine-Louis Barye: Sculptor of Romantic Realism, Glenn F. Benge, 1984, f. 66

Provenance:

Collection of Emma Rockefeller McAlpine
Held in a private collection since acquisition at Anderson Galleries, Nov. 9th 1935

Measurements: 8 3/4" H x 15 1/4" W x 4" D

Condition Report:
Excellent condition; minor handling wear to original patina. Cleaned, waxed and polished, in fine presentation ready state.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Bronze
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	906DAZ19Q
Incollect Reference #:	321810