Cheval turc No2, antérieur gauche levé (Turkish horse No2, left fore-leg raised)

Barye modelled no less than seven different versions of Cheval turc, one of his most Romantic and most enduringly popular works. Although the earliest in date, Cheval turc N^o1 was not offered until his final catalogue (1874-5) and, in fact, only one épreuve is known, that being from a posthumous edition by the Brame foundry. The first two versions of Cheval turc N^o2 (on rectangular bases and having left and right forelegs raised respectively) were first offered in Besse's 1844 catalogue and appeared in all of Barye's subsequent catalogues. Remodelled with oval bases, the third and fourth versions of N^o2 were offered after 1857. Whilst the latter two versions did not figure in the 1876 Atelier sale, the rectangular-based modèle with raised right foreleg was acquired and immediately edited in a limited number by Brame. By contrast, the corresponding modèle with raised left foreleg was purchased by Goupil and edited by Barbedienne until the mid-1920s. A great favourite with the latter foundry, Cheval turc N^o 2 is one of the models most often seen with the gold 'FB' stamp in both large and small sizes.