Knowing the value of Antoine-Louis Barye's bronzes

If you own a work of art by or after Antoine-Louis Barye, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers can offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Rating and value of the artist Antoine-Louis Barye

Antoine Louis Barye left a singular body of work in his wake, as part of the Romantic movement. He was one of the most talented sculptors of his time. Today, prices for his works are skyrocketing under auctioneers' gavels. His animal bronzes are particularly prized by French and European buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €20 to €630,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Barye's works. In 2022, a bronze equestrian proof with a brown patina sold for €200,000, whereas its estimate was between €120,000 and €150,000.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Antoine-Louis Barye's style and technique

Antoine-Louis Barye succeeded in reviving the Renaissance mastery of bronze while working with other materials such as marble and plaster. His work is in keeping with the style of Romanticism, while retaining the technical mastery of Renaissance bronzemakers.

Antoine-Louis Barye, from the workshop of Baron Gros to the Prix de Rome

Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875), a French artist, became an important figure in the 18th-century art world. Born in Paris, he studied from the age of 13 with a steel engraver who worked for the Grande Armée. He then chose to continue his training with the sculptor Bosio, then in the workshop of Baron Gros. He then worked for Fauconnier and began to take an interest in animals, which he would later sculpt.

Like the group Hercules smothering Antaeus, he succeeded in reproducing in bronze the violence of the embraces and the antique-style representation of the bodies.

Like many artists of the time, the Salons were a springboard for public recognition. After the Salon of 1831, his technical mastery took him by surprise, and he succeeded in establishing himself as a major artist. Like Riccio or Donatello, he worked throughout his career on bronzes and gilded bronzes, mastering the technique to perfection.

Around 1840, he opened a foundry and definitively broke with academic canons to produce the works he wanted.

Like many artists of his time, he took up residency in Rome, and in 1820 was awarded the coveted Prix de Rome.

Barye's imprint on his era

Thanks to his participation in numerous Salons, Barye became a recognized artist, although he broke with the rules of the Académie and traditional sculptural representations. He prefers to depict animals, including lions, bulls and even domestic pets. He also produced bronzes of horsemen, including a gilded bronze of the Emperor on horseback. Today, Barye remains highly sought-after by collectors, as his works, although part of the Romantic movement, have a unique artistic identity.

Recognizing the artist's signature

Louis-Antoine Barye's works are usually signed. He engraves "Barye" in bronze. However, many copies exist, so it's important to have your work appraised.  

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by or after Barye, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as ad hoc information about it. If you wish to sell your work of art, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.