Antoine-Louis Barye French, 1796 - 1875

M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Barye. Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Paris, 2000, no. A56, p. 181

in good condition. Patina with some light rubbing to high points. Light surface scratches.
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.

Barye's Lion Assis was commissioned by Louis Philippe's government on the 23rd of December 1846 for the sum of 10,000 francs. The life-size cast was first paired with Barye's Lion au Serpent in the Tuilleries gardens and later moved to the entrance of the Pavilion de Flore. A mechanically reversed cast of the Lion Assis was made to pair with it, angering Barye who had wished to create an original companion of a life-size lioness. Despite the disappointment of this pairing the model was much admired, particularly by the painter Léon Bonnat who wrote: 'No touch of hesitation in the design, in the full strong form. The great line which sweeps from muzzle to tail is superb, and standing before this bronze one has the feeling that here is might tempered by beauty.'

The Lion Assis was offered as a pendant to Lion au Serpent in Barye's catalogue of 1847. However, casts of the Lion Assis are much rarer than those of its pendant. Another cast of the model is in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.