Stag with Leg Raised c. 1830 - 1840

Editor: Here we have Antoine Louis Barye’s "Stag with Leg Raised", a bronze sculpture. It feels very regal, almost like a portrait of nobility. What do you make of it? Curator: Barye's animal sculptures gained popularity in the 19th century as symbols of power and virility, reflecting the era's fascination with the natural world and the political concept of the 'natural' order. Editor: So, was Barye deliberately imbuing the stag with those connotations? Curator: Likely. Barye was shrewd. By tapping into these existing associations, he ensured his work resonated with the societal values and desires of his patrons, shaping the reception of his art. Editor: That makes me rethink my initial impression. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The stag transforms from merely regal to a symbol of its time.