Antoine-Louis BARYE (1796-1875) - Bear sitting n°1, Signed bronze

Antoine-Louis Barye : (1796-1875) was a French painter and sculptor, born in Paris in 1795. He is one of the greatest "animalier" sculptors (of animals) of the 19th century. His vigorous and realistic works were realized from nature. He entered The School of Fine Arts in Paris in 1818, in François-Joseph Bosio and Jean-Antoine Gros' workshops. In 1820, he obtained The Second "Prix de Rome" of sculpture. His sculpture "Tiger devouring a gavial" from 1831 led to his recognition as The first Romantic sculptor. Imposing his own style, Barye had a huge success and released his production in his own foundry. He fell in with Ferdinand-Philippe of 'Orléans and became one of Napoléon III's favorite sculptors. Then he completed many prestigious requests as for The "Palais du Louvre" or The Tuileries Garden.