Antoine-Louis Barye

Vente Barye, 7 - 12 février 1876, n°600 ;
Ancienne collection Barbedienne ;
Ancienne collection Zoubaloff ; 
Sa vente, 30 mai 1929, n°81 ;
Ancienne collection Fromanger

Catalogue des oeuvres de Barye, Paris, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, 1889, n° 12 

BIBLIOGRAPHIE
M. Poletti, A. Richarme, Barye, Paris, 2000, p. 322, A177

Very good cast with light brown patina with very minor wear. Caracteristic for the master model is that several elements can be detached from the bronze. Very fine cast in excellent condition.
"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."

Provenant directement de l'atelier de Barye, le bronze présenté ici est le chef-modèle pour le Taureau debout, sujet rare créé par Barye en 1857 et présenté à l'Exposition rétrospective consacrée à l'artiste en 1889. Provenant directement de l'atelier de Barye, ce bronze a été vendu en 1876 au fondeur Ferdinand Barbedienne qui l'éditera après la mort de l'artiste entre 1876 et 1889.
Utilisé dans l'atelier du fondeur comme modèle de présentation d'une qualité exceptionnelle, ce bronze fit ensuite partie de collections prestigieuses, telles Zoubaloff et Fromanger, grands amateurs de bronzes animaliers.