Antoine-louis Barye (1795-1875)

"Lion au Serpent" known as "Lion des Tuileries" Very fine proof in bronze with brown patina with a nuanced green background Fonte de Barbedienne, marked "Barbedienne Fondeur" on the plinth of the terrace Signed under the front right Circa 1880/1890 Dimensions: Height: 37 cm Length: 48 cm - Width: 27 cm Biography: Antoine-Louis BARYE (1795-1875) Famous for his animal sculptures, Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875) was a goldsmith's son, who trained in metalworking at a military equipment manufacturer and at Jacques-Henri Fauconnier. In 1818, he entered the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris and served his apprenticeship in the studio of the sculptor François Joseph Bosio and the painter Jean-Antoine Gros. After several failures at the Grand Prix de Rome, Barye slams the door of the Beaux-Arts in 1825. He then turns to animal sculpture which he will bring up to date. With his friend Delacroix, he regularly goes to the menagerie of the Natural History Museum to study and observe the animals. It was in 1831 that Barye made himself known to the general public by exhibiting the Tiger devouring a gavial (Louvre) at the Salon, a work depicting a violent fight "of impressive virtuosity". Two years later, he triumphed with the lion with the serpent in plaster, which was also successfully exhibited in its bronze version at the Salon of 1836. Preferring bronze to marble, which was deemed too cold, the artist multiplied statuettes and small animal groups that he melts and chisels himself. After a difficult period, the Second Empire gave it a second wind. The artist had a studio at the Louvre, then he became professor of natural history drawing at the School of Agronomy in Versailles and was appointed professor of zoology drawing at the Museum. At that time, he trained many students and the editions of his bronzes multiplied. Barye died at the age of 95, leaving behind him an important production of drawings, watercolors and paintings as well as sculptures and goldsmith's pieces. Many works can be seen in the Louvre and Orsay museums. Galerie Paris Manaus Sold with invoice and certificate Very good state of conservation General delivery conditions: We organize delivery worldwide. An estimate on request will be established at the time of your purchase.