French Sculpture “Parakeet on Tree” After Model by Antoine-Louis Barye

Barye’s model of Perruche posée sur un arbre, la tête tournée vers la droite was cast as a pendant to the same model with its head turned to the left; these were originally executed in his atelier circa 1845 through 1857 primarily to surmount his Candelabres à douze lumières. After his death in 1875, the models were acquired by Brame and cast in their foundry.

The present casting was executed posthumously, probably early 20th century; it was cast in zinc and appears to have been plated with copper to allow for a chemical patination, this highlighted hints of red-oxide and ochre yellows in the rubbed relief. The base is signed BARYE slightly away from the placement intended by the mold, while the original mold cast signature is faintly visible in the proper placement at the base of the trunk.

Measurements: 6 1/2″ H x 4 1/8″ W (base) x 6 1/2″ W (wing to wing) x 3 1/8″ D (base)