Ink on paper, 1889-1900 signed 'Henri Matisse' and titled lower left.

8 3/4 x 13 in. (sheet), unframed.

Note: This work is a sketch for one of the bronzes Matisse made c. 1900 after the sculpture titled Jaguar Devouring a Hare, 1852, by Antoine Louis Barye. Matisse took up sculpture as a medium around 1899, attending evening sculpture classes at the Ecole de la Ville de Paris. As he had done with painting, Matisse honed his skills by copying works in the Louvre where he made many sketches of Barye's work.

The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Georges Matisse.

Provenance: The estate of the artist; Pierre Matisse; Pierre-Noel Matisse; Jacquelyn Miller Matisse.

A tear and a tiny nick at the left sheet edge. The top sheet edge irregularly trimmed. Pale staining and scattered foxing.

Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.