Turkish Horse c. 1830 - 1840

Curator: Antoine Louis Barye created this bronze sculpture, "Turkish Horse," sometime in the 19th century. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's really dynamic. The horse is caught mid-rearing, all muscle and tension. I wonder about the casting process for something this detailed. Curator: Barye was known for his animal bronzes, popular among the Parisian elite and tied to colonial interests in North Africa. Editor: Right. The "Turkish" descriptor positions it within those power dynamics. I’m also intrigued by the patina. It suggests a history of handling and display, its value shaped by collectors and markets. Curator: Indeed. Barye aimed to elevate animal sculpture, challenging academic hierarchies, and aligning with Romanticism's interest in nature. Editor: It makes you think about the role of the artist as a craftsman, producing objects within and reflecting larger social structures. Curator: Ultimately, its survival within museum collections speaks to shifts in taste and artistic value. Editor: Absolutely, and to the enduring allure of both skill and subject.