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A Rare Pair of Signed Artist Proof Animalier Bronze Plaques Attributed to Barye

$10,000per set
£7,482.20per set
€8,683.69per set
CA$13,923.77per set
A$15,661.15per set
CHF 8,123.10per set
MX$189,981.17per set
NOK 102,996.06per set
SEK 96,925.06per set
DKK 64,782.79per set
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About the Item

Both of these fine 'bas-relief' bronze plaques exhibit a fine old patina with a lustrous pinkish hue as a result of the higher ratio of copper found in this particular bronze alloy, as compared to that of traditional bronze. The leopard measures, 4” h x 5.5” w x 1/4” d, the panther measures, 3.7/8” h x 5.5” w x 1/4” d. They weigh 24.15 oz. & 20.0 oz. respectively. Both plaques bear impressed signatures E. A. Barye lower right corner. Note: The letters E.A. in front of the Barye signature are the accepted abbreviation for ‘epreuve d’artiste’, which is the French term for Artist Proof, thereby indicating that these fine castings are quite likely artists proofs vs. edition bronzes, thereby making them quite unique, if not rare in the marketplace. The absence of any apparent foundry marks does not infer that these are posthumous castings, however I will endeavor to pursue further research on the matter of their origins. The following paragraph outlines the bronze alloy used in making these plaques as found on Page 39 of ‘The Barye Bronzes – A Catalogue Raisonne’ by Stuart Pivar. “In order to achieve the surface he wanted, Barye made use of a special alloy of bronze and insisted that it be used by foundries who produced castings which were subsequently to be finished at his own atelier. This metal was simply 90% copper and 10% tin. This alloy, which at the time was called ‘Barye’s Bronze’ by the founders, is soft and reddish. The better castings of Barye’s work often are of this material, which can be readily recognized by the dull leaden sound produced if the casting is tapped lightly”. ANTOINE LOUIS BARYE (1796-1875) is perhaps the most celebrated and acclaimed artist of the ‘Animaliers School’ and was the recipient of several royal & state commissions, as well as having enjoyed the patronage of a great many noble French families. He was appointed Director of Casts & Models at the Louvre in 1848, and in 1858 he was made Professor of Drawings at the Museum of Natural History at the Jardin de Plantes. Barye was awarded the Grand Medal at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris and became the 1st President of the Central Union of Beaux Arts, as well as being made a member of the Institute of France.
  • Attributed to:
    Antoine-Louis Barye (Sculptor)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Beaux Arts (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1870
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Both remain in extremely good condition and exhibit an exceptional patina overall. The reverse of both plaques showing an old gilded surface with two small screw holes as a result of having been mounted to wooden backings, which have been retained.
  • Seller Location:
    Ottawa, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2728342704832

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