Jean Baptiste Carpeaux

JEAN BAPTISTE CARPEAUX (Valenciennes, 1827 - Courbevoie, 1875).
"The Genius of Dance", 1872.
Bronze sculpture.
Publisher's stamp Propriété Carpeaux.
Signed at the bottom.
Marble base with artist's identification plaque.
Measurements: 56 x 20 x 20 cm (sculpture); 59,5 x 23 x 23 cm (with base).

The piece in question, the "Genius of the dance", partially reproduces one of the four famous sculptural groups that adorned the facade of the Opera Garnier in Paris (since 1986 the original is located in the Musée d'Orsay). Erected in 1869, it provoked the wrath of the public, because, apparently, the numerous and sensual nude figures, based on Bacchic dances, disturbed the audience, especially women and children. After being attacked, it was proposed to move it indoors, refusing the dancers, so other sculptures were commissioned to replace the reviled work, although with the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war the matter was put on the back burner and finally forgotten.

Carpeaux entered the School of Fine Arts in 1844, obtaining the "Prix de Rome" scholarship a year later, which allowed him to study in situ the works of Michelangelo, Andrea del Verrocchio or Donatello. He spent seven years in the eternal city, so it is not surprising that he quickly renounced academicist classicism and abandoned himself to the ellipsis and fierceness of Italian mannerism and baroque. His first great success, made while living in Italy, was the "Fisherman with the Shell", presenting a marble version at the Salon of 1863, which was acquired by the Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. This work catapulted him to fame, creating different versions, all well received by the market.