Sculptor - Antoine Louis Barye
Title - Elephant du Senegal
Sand Cast Bronze
Circa 1860s
5 1/4 " height by 8 " length
(13.5 cm by 20.3 cm)
In the running African Elephant of Senegal, Barye captures a fluid movement in this large majestic animal. The motion is carried completely from the flowing tail all the way through the serpentine trunk. It is by far the most dramatic model of all his elephant sculptures besides the grand table surround Elephant and Tiger Hunt group commissioned by the King's son. This massive beast is supported only by one hind foot as it seems to fly through the air defying gravity itself. This bronze is a good 19h century cast, with sharp details and a fine rich patina but
there is no foundry mark. This is normal with many 19th century bronzes. The Elephant does have "N.4" engraved under the base and we have seen this numbering system on other 19th century Barye bronzes. Another Elephant like this one was sold at Sotheby's NY in Dec 2008, Sale N08496 lot 229, it had "N.5" incised underneath it. Our bronze is finished in a rich dark brown and black patina.
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