Antoine-louis Barye (1795-18 75) - "eagle Holding A Heron"

Second version Head turned to the left Very fine proof in bronze with dark brown patina nuanced by Ferdinand Barbedienne Signed "AL Barye" on the naturalist embankment on the left Bears the foundry mark "F. Barbedienne, Fondeur" on the right Directory number 7655 in Indian ink below Circa 1880/85 History: Plaster and bronze model acquired by Goupil in 1876 during the Barye Sale to be edited by Ferdinand Barbed ienne Height: 30.7 cm Length: 31 cm Depth: 24.8 cm Biography: Antoine-Louis BARYE (1795-1875) Famous for his animal sculptures, Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875) was the son of a silversmith, who trained in metalworking with a military equipment manufacturer and with 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 considered too cold, the artist multiplied the statuettes and small animal groups that he melted and carved 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 pieces of goldsmithery. Many works can be seen in the Louvre and Orsay museums. Sold with invoice and certificate Very good state of preservation General delivery conditions: We organize delivery worldwide. An estimate on request will be established at the time of your purchase. Paris Manaus Gallery