Collectors from as far away as Europe have indicated they will attend the exhibition Untamed: The Art of Antoine-Louis Barye, at The Walters Art Museum.
Some enthusiasts call the 160-piece exhibition the finest display of work ever presented by the foremost animal sculptor of the 19th century.
The exhibition includes an array of watercolors, oil paintings, sketches and sculptures by the French artist, said Bill Johnston, senior curator of 18th and 19th century art at the Walters.
“This show is important for [several] reasons,” said Johnston. “He was a great dramatic sculptor of animals, and he is the pioneer of mass producing art for the growing middle classes.”
This exhibition is the first in recent times to emphasize the full range of Barye?s production, including his well-known bronze sculptures and his oil paintings, watercolors and sketches. The pieces were taken from the Walters? collection, which rivals the Louvre collection in scope and significance.
The Baltimore Museum of Art lent 21 pieces, including watercolors, prints and bronzes, which add to the importance of the Walters exhibition, said Johnston. Enthusiasts from throughout the world, notably London, have indicated they will attend the show, he said.
Jay Fisher, deputy director for curatorial affairs, the Baltimore Museum of Art, said that the additional pieces enhance the exhibition and allows for an even more complete vision of Barye?s artistry.
“In terms of the large-scale bronze pieces, those are less common especially in collections,” said Fisher. “Adding the two [from BMA] to the Walters [exhibit] creates a more impressive exhibition in terms of scale.”
What is especially exciting about the artists? work is the way he created his pieces, many of which show animals locked in mortal combat. Barye studied animals in the zoo and then imagined them in the exotic landscapes which he depicted through his work.
Simon Kelly, associate curator of European painting and sculpture, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Mo., selected the paintings for the show, said Johnston. The “Tiger at Rest” is the centerpiece, Simon said.
“This is really an opportunity to showcase his work,” said Simon. “This may be the largest collection anywhere. It is certainly the largest collection outside of the Louvre.”
IF YOU GO
Untamed: The Art of Antoine-Louis Barye
» Where: The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore
» When: Feb. 11 to May 6
» Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. The Walters will be open on Presidents? Day.
» Tickets: Free
» Information: 410-547-9000, thewalters.org
