Lot 171
  • 171

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description

  • Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
  • LE GÉNIE DE LA DANSE (Allegory of the Dance)
  • signed JBCarpeaux and with the propriété Carpeaux stamp
  • bronze, brown patina, set on a bronze mounted mahogany pedestal
  • the bronze height 41 in.; the pedestal height 47 in.
  • 104 cm; 120 cm

Literature

M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux sculpteurCatalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre édité, Paris, 2003, pp. 56-9, no. SA 4

Condition

The pedestal with tarnishing to bronze, extensive scratches to top and dents and scratches to veneer consistent with age and use. The bronze group with a very nice and warm brown patina with light scratches in places. Formerly with a bronze plaque beneath signature.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The model of Le Génie de La Danse comes from Carpeaux's famous group, La Danse. Officially commissioned before 1875, Carpeaux's group is one of four allegorical compositions on the facade of the Opera in Paris. Although the architect, Charles Garnier, gave all four sculptors strict and conventional guidelines for each work, Carpeaux rejected the standard representational formats used by the other sculptors, and adopted a bold evocation of his theme. 

Carpeaux later adapted the various elements of the group into separate figures for commercial editions. As Poletti and Richarme have noted, Le Génie is one of the most successful of the independent groups, as this, more than any other figure, embodied the dynamism of the theme.