10 - Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875)

Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875) Theseus Fighting the Minotaur (second version) Produced by Barbedienne beginning in 1877 Bronze with a brown-green patina Signed “BARYE” Bears the foundry mark “F. BARBEDIENNE. FONDEUR. PARIS” H. 45 cm, base W. 29 x D. 16 cm Some wear to the patina Created for the 1843 Salon, the group sculpture of Theseus Fighting the Minotaur was ultimately presented at the 1851 World’s Fair (and acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London). Well-received by critics who admired its modernity, this work became one of Barye’s masterpieces, though he is better known today for his animal sculptures. Here, the hero Theseus, in a powerful and haughty pose, gains the upper hand over the monster, which is bracing itself with bulging muscles. Related literature: - Michel Poletti, Alain Richarme, *Barye: The Catalog Raisonné of Sculptures*, Paris, Gallimard, 2000, model listed under no. F32, p. 108; - Florence Rionnet, *Les Bronzes Barbedienne: The Work of a Dynasty of Casters (1834–1954)*, Paris, Arthena, 2016, model listed under no. Cat. 427, p. 272.