Antoine-Louis Barye (1796-1875),
Lion, no date, plaster, 12 x 7 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, gift of Joseph V. Desantis, 1990.
Antoine-Louis Barye, born on this day in 1796, initially began training as a goldsmith, like his father. He became familiar with every aspect of metalworking from casting to engraving, and eventually entered a sculpture workshop before attending art school in Paris. Although he was not commissioned as often as his contemporaries, several of his works gained attention and popularity. For example, his
Seated Lion was installed and prominently seen at the Lion’s Gate entrance to the Louvre, as well as several other sculptures including
Lion Crushing a Serpent in the Tuileries. Barye’s animal figurines are his lasting achievement. Whether monumental or minuscule, his depictions are never static, even when the animal is at rest. As seen in this plaster,
Lion, Bayre’s sculptures are vibrant and alert; he captures with great skill the muscles, tendons, mane, and sheen of the lion's coat, bringing life to the sculpture.