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“Tigre Qui Marche” French Bronze Sculpture by Antoine-Louis Barye & Barbedienne

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

Description
Barye's ability to merge our romantic idealization of nature with a colder reality of nature's predator is beautifully represented in this striding cat. Originally conceived in 1841, the Tigre Qui Marche (Walking Tiger) is a picture of poise, intensity and ferocity as this powerful beast moves nimbly across a dried cracked surface. The clean line and entirely convincing pose of the tiger is achieved through Barye's careful study of the animal's anatomy. His preparatory work includes studies of the face as well as drawings of a flayed tiger's shoulder and foreleg, key elements of focus in this handsomely detailed study (Benge, fig. 155, fig. 158).

The present example was cast by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne posthumously. They started producing casts of this work in 1877 and continued to cast it after merging with Leblanc well into the 20th century. Signed in the naturalistic rectangular base "F. Barbedienne Fondeur, France", 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, Lion 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.198-99, f. A70
The Barye Bronzes: A Catalogue Raisonné, Stuart Pivar, 1974, p.159, f. A63 [noted as 26 x 36 cm, catalog number B51 in Barye's catalog]
Antoine-Louis Barye: Sculptor of Romantic Realism, Glenn F. Benge, 1984, f. 67, discussion of the piece on p. 85-6

Provenance:

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

Measurements: 8 1/2" 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 #:	906EPQ19A
Incollect Reference #:	322182