Bronze of a hound After French Sculpture Antoine Barye with a slight dark green patina, modelled on a naturalistic ground, signed in the mold Barye with foundry marks for Alfred Daubrèe.
Measures 6.75" H x 11.5" W x 4.25"D.
About the artist:
Antoine-Louis Barye, born on September 24, 1796, in Paris, France, emerged as one of the most influential sculptors of the 19th century. Initially trained as a goldsmith, Barye's artistic journey shifted when he began studying under renowned sculptor François-Joseph Bosio at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His early works primarily focused on small animal sculptures, reflecting his fascination with the natural world and its intricate forms.
Barye gained acclaim for his skillful ability to capture the essence and movement of animals in bronze. His sculptures were marked by their dynamic poses and meticulous attention to detail, which imbued his subjects with a lifelike quality rarely seen before in sculpture. His mastery of anatomy and composition allowed him to portray the raw power and grace of animals, ranging from majestic lions to delicate birds.
Throughout his career, Barye's work evolved beyond animal sculptures to include mythological and historical subjects, showcasing his versatility and technical prowess. His sculptures became highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike, both in France and internationally. Barye's influence extended beyond his own creations; he played a pivotal role in reviving interest in bronze sculpture as a medium of artistic expression during the 19th century.
Today, Antoine-Louis Barye's legacy endures through his numerous works housed in prestigious museums around the world, including the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His impact on the art world continues to be celebrated for its innovative approach to animal representation and its lasting influence on subsequent generations of sculptors. Barye's dedication to capturing the spirit of the natural world through bronze remains a testament to his enduring artistic vision and technical mastery.
About Alfred Daubrèe:
Alfred Dubrèe was a renowned French foundry specializing in bronze casting, operating during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by Alfred Dubrèe in Paris, the foundry gained prominence for its exceptional craftsmanship and expertise in casting sculptures, decorative objects, and architectural elements in bronze.
The foundry collaborated with many prominent artists of the time, providing them with the technical support necessary to realize their artistic visions in bronze. Artists such as Antoine-Louis Barye, Auguste Rodin, and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux were among those who entrusted Alfred Dubrèe with casting their sculptures. The foundry's reputation for quality and attention to detail made it a favored choice for artists seeking to produce bronze editions of their works.
Alfred Dubrèe's foundry was known for its meticulous casting process, which involved the use of traditional lost-wax casting techniques. This method allowed for the reproduction of intricate details and textures from the artist's original sculpture, ensuring that each bronze cast retained the artistic integrity and quality intended by the artist.
Today, works cast by Alfred Dubrèe's foundry are highly prized by collectors and museums worldwide for their historical significance and artistic excellence. The foundry's legacy continues to be celebrated as a testament to French craftsmanship and its contribution to the preservation and promotion of bronze sculpture as a form of art.
