Henri-Edouard Lombard (1855-1929) Poetry in the guise of Dante and Beatrice White and polychrome marble group Signed "Lombard Titled "Poésie" on the parchment H. 75 cm In 1829, Antoni Deschamps' new translation of the Divine Comedy restored the former glory of Dante Alighieri. Romantic artists found the work of the Italian poet an important source of inspiration, and this interest continued until the end of the 19th century. Henri Lombard, a pupil of Jules Cavelier and winner of the Prix de Rome in 1883, was no doubt inspired by Nouvelle Vie, the mythical tale of the poet's love for his muse, for this allegory of poetry represented in the guise of Dante and Beatrice. The use of polychrome marble for the clothes is reminiscent of "natural polychrome" sculptures by sculptors such as Cordier, Gérôme and Barrias. The artist had already used this technique for the monumental figure of Hélène, commissioned by the marble-maker Jules Cantini in 1885 and presented at the Universal Exhibition of 1889 (wear, minor chips from use, minor restorations).