JEAN-BAPTISTE CARPEAUX (1827-1875) Le Génie de la danse n° 1 Model created in 1869 Bronze with gunmetal patina Signed "JB Carpeaux" in cursive letters on the terrace Bears a circular insert and the mark "Susse Fres Edts". Bears a stamp "SYNDICAT FRANÇAIS DES FABRICANTS DE BRONZE" and the letter "G" struck (Traces of oxidation) JEAN-BAPTISTE CARPEAUX, 'LE GÉNIE DE LA DANSE N° 1', MODEL CREATED IN 1869 105,50 CM - 41,5 IN. Related literature - Michel Poletti, Alain Richarme, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, sculpteur. Catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre édité, Paris, 2003, model listed under no. SA 4, p. 56 ; - Edouard Papet, James David Drapper, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875), un sculpteur pour l'empire, Co-edition Musée d'Orsay/Gallimard, 2014, model listed under cat. 97, p. 139. This bronze is derived from the famous sculpture on the façade of the opera house entitled La Danse, commissioned by Charles Garnier from Prix de Rome winner Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. When it was presented to the public on 27 July 1869, the press raged against this wild farandole of naked bodies, which it considered an affront to public decency. Carpeaux made numerous reductions of this ensemble, which met with immense success. The full-length figure of the genius took pride of place, as it wonderfully embodied the allegorical impetus of this group and its grace, which was once misunderstood. Undecided as to the sex of the genius, Carpeaux borrowed his slender, healthy body from Sébastien Visat, a twenty-year-old carpenter, and his dazzling smile from Princess Hélène of Racowitza. In this vibrant, delicate figure, the sculptor has achieved one of the most brilliant syntheses of his career. The work was produced in various materials and sizes between 1872 and 1910.