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Bronze sculpture with brown patina representing the Three Graces, signed Barye for Antoine-Louis Barye*, on a black marble base, from the 19th century.
This sculpture is in good overall condition. Signed on the base. It is a cast from the Barye workshop (c. 1857-1875), the model dating from 1840. A similar example is held at the Louvre Museum ( RF 3030).
Please note: micro-chips and light scratches on the marble base, some soiling and small scratches on the bronze, wear and tear of time, see photos.
The son of a Parisian goldsmith, Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875) began his apprenticeship in an engraver's workshop and then with the goldsmith Bicunais, where he learned all aspects of metalwork, from casting to chasing. This rigorous apprenticeship left its mark on the precision of his line and the sharpness of his drawing. In 1816, he entered the workshop of the sculptor Bosio, and then in 1823, that of Fauconnier, goldsmith to the Duchess of Angoulême; there he was already modeling small animal figurines. He studied living nature at the Jardin des Plantes, observing the posture and movement of animals and even attending the anatomy lecture hall. Breaking with the long tradition of Western sculpture, which most often saw animals only as decorative motifs, Barye became interested in the animals themselves, carefully studying their anatomy. Not well regarded by official circles, Barye ceased exhibiting at the Salon after 1837. But wealthy collectors, such as the Duke of Orléans, were interested in his art, so unacademic, and the bronze edition of his small-format works ensured his success with a wide public.
Highly rated artist on ArtPrice.
