Seated lion
Statuette
1846 (modelled), ca. 1850 (cast)
1846 (modelled), ca. 1850 (cast)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This small bronze is a sketch model for a lion in the Tuileries Gardens. It is probably unique and may be an artist’s proof, rather than an edition bronze. Barye’s strong modelling and chasing contribute to its quality and character.
There was a fashion in 19th-century France for animal studies. Bronzes could now be mass produced and the growing middle class was keen to collect luxury goods. Barye was the first and foremost of the sculptors who specialised in this genre. Prompting Gautier's description of him as the "Michelangelo of the menagerie".
There was a fashion in 19th-century France for animal studies. Bronzes could now be mass produced and the growing middle class was keen to collect luxury goods. Barye was the first and foremost of the sculptors who specialised in this genre. Prompting Gautier's description of him as the "Michelangelo of the menagerie".
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Seated lion (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze, cast |
| Brief description | Statuette, bronze, Seated lion, by Antoine-Louis Barye, France, modelled in 1846, cast in about 1850 |
| Physical description | A lion seated on an oval base which bears the signature A. L. BARYE. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | Given by Mrs. Elizabeth South. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This small bronze is a sketch model for a lion in the Tuileries Gardens. It is probably unique and may be an artist’s proof, rather than an edition bronze. Barye’s strong modelling and chasing contribute to its quality and character. There was a fashion in 19th-century France for animal studies. Bronzes could now be mass produced and the growing middle class was keen to collect luxury goods. Barye was the first and foremost of the sculptors who specialised in this genre. Prompting Gautier's description of him as the "Michelangelo of the menagerie". |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 73-1908 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | April 18, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
