Antoine-Louis Barye Lion au Serpent Value Guide

The Lion au Serpent is a cornerstone of the French 'Animalier' school, originally debuting at the 1833 Paris Salon to critical acclaim. This powerful sculpture serves as a political allegory of King Louis-Philippe's reign, capturing the intense struggle between a majestic lion and a coiled serpent on a rocky terrain.

What affects the value of Antoine-Louis Barye Lion au Serpent?

• The overall condition and preservation of the original bronze patina significantly impact the $1,200-$1,320 valuation.
• The integrity of the green marble base, including the absence of chips or structural cracks, is a key value driver.
• The clarity and authenticity of the artist's signature on the bronze casting.
• The historical provenance as a later 19th or early 20th-century edition of Barye's most famous political allegory.

How to Identify Antoine-Louis Barye Lion au Serpent?

• Look for the cast 'BARYE' signature prominently featured on the rocky bronze base.
• Verify the presence of the specific green marble mounting characteristic of late 19th and early 20th-century editions.
• Examine the fine detailing of the lion's mane and the serpent's scales, which should show crisp definition despite the age of the casting.
• Check for the dark brown or greenish patina typical of French bronze foundry work from the 1880-1920 era.

History of Antoine-Louis Barye Lion au Serpent

Antoine-Louis Barye was the master of the French 'Animalier' school. First exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1833, the 'Lion and Serpent' was an immediate sensation. It was interpreted as a political allegory representing King Louis-Philippe (the Lion) triumphing over the threat of revolution (the Serpent). This specific piece is a bronze casting bearing the artist's signature, likely a later 19th or early 20th-century edition.