Antoine-Louis Barye

M. Poletti & A. Richarme, Barye: Catalogue Raisonnée des Sculptures, Paris, 2000, p. 84, no. F15

Overall in good original condition, with the usual wear to the patina in places especially high reliefs consistent with handling and touching. Light scratches and dents consistent with age. Surface dirt to crevices. The department encourages interested parties to use our online e-catalogue's zoom function to enjoy magnified and alternate views of this lot.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This model relates to the Lion Hunt group which formed part of the complex surtout de table of the duc d'Orléans commissioned from Aimé Chenavard and Barye in 1834. It is even more closely related to Barye's Two Arab Horsemen Killing a Lion as the composition is simplified to include only one horseman, thereby focusing the attention on the fatal thrust of the spear into the throat of the lion. During the 1830's Barye displayed a genius for re-working and re-inventing his models to transform the composition and express alternative narratives. The posture of the present horse is also found in Barye's Horse Attacked by a Lion. However, in that model the horse is changed into a victim by a twist of the head, with no human protector, and the lion has become the victor.