Taureau cabré (Rearing bull)

Apart from its more steeply modelled base, this bull differs from that in Taureau attaqué par un tigre (see lot 145) only in the attitude of its front right leg and in the treatment of its surface. Although modelled in 1841 (see Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, 27.38, for a cast dated and numbered 1), the work does not appear in Besse's 1844 catalogue, but was first edited by Barye the following year. After Barye's death, the work was edited with great success by Barbedienne.

Eduardo Guinle owned two casts of this model. The second, probably slightly later in date than this fine épreuve ancienne, was sold in these rooms, 25 May 1995, lot 147 ($5,175).