Antoine-Louis Barye

Stuart Pivar, The Barye Bronzes, a catalogue raisonné, Antique Collector's Club, Suffolk U.K, 1974, p. 80, F14; M. Poletti & A. Richarme, BARYE, Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Gallimard, Paris, 2000, p. 90, ill. 38.

In good original condition with tarnishing to patina at the elephant's forehead and ears; dirt beneath the elephant to foliate cast base; discoloration to patina to elephants proper back right knee and foot.
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.

Although the date of the original model is unknown, the present casting is another rare model like the preceding lot in this sale. Poletti & Richarme estimate the total number of lifetime cast to be less than thirty between 1845 and 1875. The inspiration for this group derives from Chasse au tigre, one of Barye's large hunting groups for the surtout de table commissioned by the Duc d'Orléans in 1834.