Sculptor - Antoine Louis Barye
Title - Tigre devorant un Gavial
Sand Cast Bronze
Atelier Antoine Louis Barye
Circa 1840s
4" height by 10 5/8" length
(10 cm by 27 cm)
The Tiger devouring a Crocodile of the Ganges was first sculpted in 1831 and marked Barye's raise to fame. The original large version was exhibited and won great praise for its realism and power.
The model was done in 3 sizes, this is the smallest one. The second reduction was first done in 1836. Even in this small size, the attention to detail is amazing, you can see the plants and insect life clearly on the base, the Gavial Crocodile's teeth are sharp and the Tiger's stripes and well defined. There is a turtle hiding by the Tiger's right front paw. This turtle is hoping he will not be next on the dinner menu.
Unfortunately there are modern copies of this model on the market but they do not have the fine details of the original. This fine early 19th century cast was done in the 1840s and is finished in a rich dark brown patina. It is signed BARYE and dated 1836 on the base.
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