Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875) - Lot 12

Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875) Theseus fighting the Minotaur (second version) Barbedienne edition from 1877, large model Bronze with brown patina Signed "BARYE" near Thésée's left foot Bears the founder's mark "F. BARBEDIENNE. Fondeur". on the terrace H. 60 x L. 40 cm Produced for the 1843 Salon, the group of Theseus fighting the Minotaur was finally presented at the 1851 Exposition Universelle (and acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London). Well received by critics, who admired its modernity, this subject became one of the masterpieces of Barye, better known today for his animal sculpture. Here, the hero Theseus, in a powerful, haughty pose, gains the upper hand over the bowed, muscular monster. Related literature: -Michel Poletti and Alain Richarme, Barye, le catalog raisonné des sculptures, Gallimard, 2000, model listed under no. F 32, p. 108. -Florence Rionnet, Les Bronzes Barbedienne. L'oeuvre d'une dynastie de fondeurs (1834-1954), Paris, Arthena, 2016, model listed under Cat. 427, p. 272.