Antoine-Louis Barye and Barbedienne
Aigle tenant un héron (seconde version)
1851-1908
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Bronze, 12 1/2 x 13 x 9 in. (31.8 x 33 x 22.9 cm.)
Credit Line
The George A. Lucas Collection, purchased with funds from the State of Maryland, Laurence and Stella Bendann Fund, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations throughout the Baltimore community
Object Number
1996.46.57
In a number of his bronzes, Barye represented a variety of large birds, among them the eagle, shown here as a fierce predator. Perched on a rocky crag with wings extended, the bird pauses in triumph over its kill. The limp from of the heron follows the contours of the rugged terrain, its elegant body twisted in the contortions of death. Seldom is the contrast in nature between the living and dead so eloquently presented.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1996; from Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore, by gift 1910; from Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George Aloysius Lucas, Paris
Pivar: A167 (p. 218) 29 x 32 cm. Photo in book: Photograph courtesy of Walters Art Gallery.
Michel Poletti and Alain Richarme, "Barye Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures," Paris: Gallimard, 2000, pl. 326, pp. 328-329.
Lillian M. Burgunder, "Antoine-Louis Barye Sculptures and Decorative Objects in the Collection of The Baltimore Museum of Art," September 2006, p. 147.
Michel Poletti and Alain Richarme, "Barye Catalogue Raisonné des Sculptures," Paris: Gallimard, 2000, pl. 326, pp. 328-329.
Lillian M. Burgunder, "Antoine-Louis Barye Sculptures and Decorative Objects in the Collection of The Baltimore Museum of Art," September 2006, p. 147.
Inscribed: Signed on base: 'A.L. BARYE'. Bottom of base in yellow paint: 'Lucas' (underined). Bottom of base in white ink; a BMA accession number: '1996.46.57'.
