Antoine-Louis Barye

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the patina consistent with age. The stag was cast in several parts: joints are visible at both right legs. There are a few minor nicks including at the tip of the proper right ear.
"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."

This is an extremely rare bronze. When Poletti and Richarme's catalogue raisonné was published in 2000, no bronze cast in the original dimensions had been seen by the authors. The model dates to the very early part of Barye's career and was conceived around 1830. Barye sold all rights to the Susse foundry who edited it in two sizes from 1840. It is the first version of Barye's Cerf de Virginie, and recalls, as Poletti and Richarme note, the goldsmith's work of the French Renaissance.

RELATED LITERATURE
Poletti & Richarme (2000) p. 314, no. A 170