A FRENCH BRONZE MODEL OF A TORTOISE

Although not offered for sale until 1845, Barye's Tortue was almost certainly inspired by the three-week sojourn of a giant tortoise at the Muséum National d'histoire Naturelle in 1839. It was cast in considerable numbers and it seems the majority were purchased by Barbedienne, specifically to decorate the bases of the firm's ornate candelabra.