Conceived in the round, with the intention of being viewed from all angles, even from above, Deux jeunes lions is an early romantic work, modelled between 1832 and 1838. The spinning movement of the two playful lions in this group was a precursor for Chasse à l'élan (see lot 100) and Chasse à l'ours, two of the large hunt groups for the Orléans surtout de table, whose similar circular composition served to emphasize the drama and violence of their respective subject-matter.
The stamped BARYE 2 and absence of a signature indicate that this fine cast is an early épreuve d'artiste, dating from around 1840. A later cast of the same model, with the addition of a turned lower section to the base, was sold in these rooms, 15 February 1995, lot 170 ($16,100).