This roughly 5' long bronze lion was purchased in an antique shop. Â The owner stated he purchased from an estate where it rested under the pine trees for years.
Only after I purchased it, did I notice the signature, Barye and the number next to it, which appears to be 183. Â Looking online for Barye bronze lion, I found the wikipedia page for A. Barye, who was the premier animal sculpter in France in the 1800s. Â He began his career as apprentice to Napoleon's goldsmith and his last position was Director of Drawings at the Louvre in Paris. Â I also found a modern day replica at considerable cost (more than I paid for this one), but without a signature. Â When I emailed this company to inquire about their replica, the person responding said that an original Barye bronze lion of this size would be worth well over $100,000. Â
Since there appears to be the number 183 after the signature, I'm guessing this was some limited edition reproduction, but unsure.
It is really beautiful, and I will enjoy it either way, but very interested in anything about the history of this piece and the true value.
Thanks.