Jaguar Devouring a Crocodile
model n.d., cast c. 1862/1873
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall: 7.94 × 24.13 × 9.53 cm (3 1/8 × 9 1/2 × 3 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase)
Accession Number
2015.19.3840
Art Historical Context
Antoine-Louis Barye *Jaguar Devouring aodile* is a striking bronze sculpture that captures the raw ferocity of the natural world. Created from a model of unknown date and cast around 1862–1873, this compact piece measures just 7.94 × 24.13 × 9.53 cm, making it an intimate yet powerful tabletop study. Barye, a pioneering French animalier sculptor of the Romantic era, specialized in dynamic depictions of wild animals, blending scientific precision with dramatic tension. In the 19th century, Barye revolutionized sculpture by moving beyond classical mythology to portray beasts in lifelike combat,...
About the Artist
Antoine-Louis Barye · 1795–1875
Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875) was born in Paris on September 24, the son of goldsmith Pierre Barye and Marguerite Barye. Following family tradition, he apprenticed as a goldsmith under his father and, around 1810, with Martin-Guillaume Biennais, goldsmith to Napoleon. After brief military service, Barye pursued sculpture, studying under François-Joseph Bosio in 1816 and painter Baron Antoine-Jea...