Parakeet Seated on a Tree

Art Historical Context

Antoine-Louis Barye a pioneering French sculptor of the Romantic era (1796–1875), crafted *Parakeet Seated on a Tree* as a exquisite example of his animalier style—small-scale bronze sculptures celebrating the vitality of wildlife. Dated to an undated model and cast circa 1845–1874, this piece captures a parakeet perched alertly on a gnarled branch, its feathers ruffled and eyes keen, measuring just 20 × 13.65 × 10.16 cm. Barye's mastery shines in the lost-wax casting technique, which allowed for intricate detailing of texture, from the bird's delicate plumage to the bark's rough grain, often finished with a rich patina to mimic nature's hues. Renowned as the father of modern animal sculpture, Barye drew from direct observation at the Paris zoos and his own menagerie, infusing Romantic dynamism and anatomical precision into works that transcended mere decoration. This bronze, part of the Corcoran Collection at the National Gallery of Art, reflects mid-19th-century fascination with exotic birds amid colonial trade, serving as a refined table ornament for elite collectors. Visitors to our virtual museum will delight in how Barye's keen eye brings this serene avian moment to life, bridging art and nature in enduring bronze elegance.

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...