Gaston de Foix on Horseback

"Gaston de Foix on Horseback", Antoine-Louis Barye, (French, 1795-1875 ), bronze with brown patina. Signed Barye in the model.

Gaston de Foix is seen seated on horseback with his feet in stirrups. He is bare-headed and wears Maximillian-type fluted field armor of the 16th century. His left hand holds the reins and his right hand holds a baton. A furl of drapery extends behind his back. The horse is also wearing armor emblaisoned with four large coats of arms of the counts de Foix. The horse appears to be executing the "piaffe" or trot in place, a stately equestrian gait with its front left leg raised along with his rear right leg. The rectangular bronze base is signed "BARYE".