Jean-Léon Gérôme French, 1824 - 1904

gilt bronze, signed J.L. GEROME, impressed Siot Decauville foundry mark and impressed A76 to base.

G. M. Ackerman, The Life and Work of Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 1986, no. S. 20

In good condition with areas of tarnish and discoloration due to age and atmospheric conditions. There are traces of verdigris to the recesses, in particular to the folds of the gown. The figure's left foot is slight loose, but remains attached. A possible pendant is lacking from the necklace, as evidenced by an open link at the center.
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.

Gérôme's Danseuse à la pomme was exhibited at the Salon of 1893. The dress was carved from green-tinted marble, the flesh from ivory and the jewelry applied in bronze decorated with pastes and semi-precious gems. The Salon model was also exhibited at the Cercle de l'Union Artistique and is now in a private collection, Geneva. In a letter of circa 1890 Gérôme compared Danseuse à la pomme to his hoop dancer, held in the hand of his famous Tanagra: 'I have also lately finished a little figure in marble, half life-size, of a dancing girl, it is like the one Tanagra holds in her hand only this is more seriously made, and the nude portions, as well as the draperies, have been studied with care.'

It has been suggested that the Danseuse à la pomme was a response to criticism which asserted that Gérôme's sculpture lacked movement and expression. Gérôme is emphatically vindicated in the rising ripples of fabric as the girl lifts her drapery in the dance. Her twisting pose as she balances on one foot and turns to glance at the apple sets everything about her into movement, even the hanging jewels of her necklace which jostle at her breast.

Siot-Decauville edited Danseuse à la pomme in various sizes and materials including combinations of marble, ivory, and bronze and occasionally inset with precious or semi-precious stones as in the present example. At the large size of the Salon version, the present figure is a rare example of Gérôme's distinctive style and techniques. A chryselephantine example of this same large size was sold Sotheby's London, 28th June 2007, lot 104 ($168,250).