French 1880s Bronze Sculpture “Tiger Walking” by Antoine-Louis Barye

ANTOINE-LOUIS BARYE
France, 1796-1875

Tigre Qui Marche

Sand-cast bronze with medium-brown, black and coppery patination | signed “BARYE” with gently raised edges, incised “F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR” to top of base, inscribed in ink “8690” to underside | posthumous cast circa 1880

Item # 406KYN02Z

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).

Cast by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne, they started producing this sculpture in 1877 and eventually offered two dimensions: one at roughly 15 1/2″ in total width and one that is 10 1/2″ in total width. They continued to cast these after merging with Leblanc well into the 20th century, though the quality can range significantly after 1900.

The present example is the larger version and was cast circa 1880. It exhibits the rich fluid surface of the early molds, the raised edges of the signature cast directly from the mold and a very fine nuanced surface patina of medium-brown over underlying copper hues with traces of black and verde. An exquisite casting in the larger size.

Artist Listings & Bibliography:

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

Measurements: 8 3/8″ H x 4 1/16″ D x 15 5/8″ W

Condition Report:
Excellent condition; minor handling wear to the original patina; carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator’s grade wax; a very fine presentation ready to place.