The enduring popularity of Barye's Cheval Turc, first modelled in 1838, is demonstrated by the fact that the piece was still listed in the sculptors own catalogue at the time of the Exposition Universelle of 1855. Barye's model, together with its pendant with right foreleg raised, was the forerunner of many of his later equestrian studies. The stance of the Cheval Turc is reminiscent of the statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome, although the raised foreleg of the former is drawn back somewhat further than its antique precedent. Barye was heavily influenced, as were the majority of the most well-known animaliers, by Gericault (d. 1823) and his contemporary Delacroix (d. 1863). The works of the latter, such as the rearing charger in Death of Charles the Bold (Nancy), or the closely haltered horse in Battle of Taillebourg (Versailles), exhibit the stance and tremendous impression of wild energy which Barye sought to create in his pieces.

Barbedienne cast the Cheval Turc after Barye's death, although, and very unusually, with some alteration to the model.