Lot Essay
In Famille de cerf Barye brings together three individually-edited models: Cerf qui écoute of 1838, Biche couchée of 1840 and Faon de cerf couché also from 1840. Barye modeled two versions of the group; the first with striated base, as seen here, the second with a more naturalistic base, with the addition of a tree stump and grooved edge. Like many of the stag models, the model formed part of lot 718 in the 1876 Atelier sale and the second version was subsequently edited by Barbedienne. Another example of this model was sold at Christie's, New York, Barye Bronzes: An Important Private Collection, 25 April 2003, lot 65 ($11,352).