In a Greek myth involving Gods and monsters, and through a convoluted plot, the Minotaur, imprisoned in an elaborate labyrinth, was sent seven men and women every year to advert a plague. In the third year of the ritual, Theseus, son of Aegeus, King of Athens, disguised himself as one of the seven men and entered the labyrinth in order to kill the Minotaur and end the human sacrifices.

Barye treats this intense struggle between man and half-man with the same intensity as he lavished on his previous sculptures of animal conflicts. For inspiration he studied Theodore Gericault’s sketchbooks, recreating the stance of one of Gericault’s boxers with legs widely braced, arm and sword positioned for an attack. The Minotaur was modeled after another of of the boxers, as does the crossed composition of the two figures.

Shortly after Barye’s death, his models were put at public auction in Paris for sale and were purchased by the sculptor’s principal foundry, F. Barbedienne with the intention of continued production in bronze. Chosen from those were a select group of special models to be cast in a limited edition, each impressed on the base with a “gold seal” or cachet, with the founder’s inscription. These castings are noted for their high quality, attention to detail, and especially beautiful patinas and consequently are sought after by collectors today.