JEAN-BAPTISTE CARPEAUX (1827-1875) The genius of dance. Proof in brown patinated bronze. Signed on the terrace and stamped "Propriété Carpeaux". H. 102 cm - Width 45 cm. Wear, scratches, rubbing and heavy oxidation in the lower part. Bibliography Related works: Michel Poletti and Alain Richarme, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux sculpteur. Catalog raisonné de l'oeuvre édité, Paris, 2003, model number SA 4, p.56. In 1868, Carpeaux began sculpting La Danse in stone for Charles Garnier's façade of the Paris Opera. Garnier. When it was unveiled to the public in July 1869, the sculpture caused a scandal. A month later, the controversy continued. Napoleon III, yielding to public opinion, decided to have 'La Danse' removed. War broke out, saving the statue. Numerous bronze reductions were made, mainly with stamps from the Carpeaux estate, in terracotta and marble, all of which met with great success.