Aigle ailes étendues, bec ouvert (Eagle with spread wings and open beak)

Like the previous lot, of whose first version it is a slightly later excerpted variant, the form of signature dates the original model of Aigle, ailes étendues, bec ouvert to the period 1846-57. Similarly, the first edition of the work was offered for sale in Barye's 1857-8 catalogue. This fine cast is almost certainly an épreuve ancienne dating from the 1860s. After Barye's death, the model was edited by Barbedienne and was particular popular right at the end of the 19th century.

The bronze modèle for the related work, Aigle, ailes étendues, bec fermé (see Poletti & Richarme, 2000, no. 185, p. 330), was also in Eduardo Guinle's collection, and was sold in these rooms, 25 May 1995, lot 145.