“Tigre” – A striking, vital, patinated cast bronze tiger by listed French artist Joachim Costa (1888–1971). The piece is signed and stamped with its foundry mark: the esteemed “F. Barbedienne, Fondeur Paris”, which famously produced bronzes by Antoine-Louis Barye and Auguste Rodin. Capturing muscular tension and graceful movement, the sculpture reflects Costa’s distinct break from strict naturalism in favor of what he called “direct pruning”—a return to architectural sculpting rooted in the traditions of cathedral builders.

Costa, a graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris, exhibited widely at the Salon d’Automne, Salon des Indépendants, Salon des Tuileries, and the Salon des Artistes Français. He earned the Grand Prize for Sculpture at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, and was later awarded both the Legion of Honor and the WWII Cross. This 1927 tiger is a powerful example of early 20th century French bronze, balancing harmonious, synthetic volumes with bold, expressive form.