Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

Overall the bronze is in very good condition with some minor wear to the patina consistent with age. There are two slightly visible casting joints, one around the proper right upper arm and one around the proper left shoulder. The cupid at the foot of the sculpture is cast separately and this can be seen at the right wing.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

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.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux sculpteur, Paris, 2003, pp. 56-9, no. SA 4