Panther Of Tunis No. 2 - Bronze By Antoine-louis Barye

Antoine-Louis Barye (1795 - 1875)
Tunis Panther No. 2
Bronze with nuanced brown patina
H.: 9.1 cm; W. 20.5 cm; D. 6.5 cm
Signed "BARYE" on the base
Inscription "HC" under the base, probably referring to Henri Coupens (chaser in Barye's workshop)
Fine early cast

"Above all, Barye is the Master of Fauves, of the Ferocious, of Felines"... This phrase by Edmond de Goncourt (1822 – 1896) alone sums up the richness of the sculptor's work on this theme. The panther holds a place of honor. Barye depicts it in various poses, those of the predator or in moments of calm and observation. This Tunis Panther No. 2 is the counterpart to the Indian Panther No. 2; They are both lying on a naturalistic base.

Bibliography

– M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Barye: Catalogue raisonné des sculptures, Paris: Gallimard, 2000, pp. 222.