Barthélemy Prieur, 1536 - 1611 Lion marchant, vers 1600

A. Radcliffe, The Robert H. Smith collection. Bronzes 1500-1650, Londres, 1994, n° 27; A. Radcliffe, M. Baker, M. Maek-Gérard, Renaissance and later sculpture with works of art in bronze, Collection Thyssen-Bornemisza, Londres, 1992, n° 57.

Very fine and crisp cast in very good condition overall. Minor wear to the patina and a few small dents consistent with age and handling, and some surface dirt in the crevices. The dark brown patina with some remains of black laquer. An old repair to the rear of the lion with two old patches visible. There appears to be a slight restoration to the ankle of the lion's proper left foreleg and his right leg. On modern ebonized wooden base. Good bronze which can be highly recommended.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

L'inventaire après décès du sculpteur Barthélemy Prieur rédigé en 1611 en présence du procureur du Roi mentionne '...cinq figures d'animaux aussy de bronse de thaureaux, lions et chiens tant petits que grands, prisé ensemble cinquante livres tournois' (Arch. nat. IL.-264). La finition élaborée de la crinière du lion, les traits du visage, ainsi que le modelé élégant de son corps svelte témoignent de la qualité de fonte des bronzes de Prieur qui rend avec acuité chaque détail. Un exemplaire de ce modèle est conservé au Metropolitain Museum de New York (inv.no, voir photo ci contre) un autre se trouve dans la collection Thyssen-Bornemisza. Prieur réalisa aussi des groupes d'animaux plus complexes comme son Lion devorant une biche, dans les collection Robert H. Smith ou son Lion attaquant un cheval dans l'ancien collection Cyril Humphris.

Référence Bibliographique:
W. Bode, (réed.) J. Draper, The Italian Renaissance Bronze Statuettes of the Renaissance, New York, 1980, p. 46, fig. 50.