Carpeaux, Jean-Baptiste

(1827-1875)

   sculptor, designer, painter

   Born in Valenciennes, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux studied at the studio of the sculptor François rude. He then traveled to italy, where he was inspired by the works of the Renaissance masters, especially Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as by 18th-century rococo sculpture. A leading exponent of romanticism, Carpeaux produced works outstanding for their lifelike grace and animation. The best example is his masterpiece, La Danse (1867-69), done for the Paris Opera. It expresses joyful abandon with graceful intertwined figures, strong facial expressions, and flowing draperies, and has a clear affinity with rococo art. Carpeaux gained the favor of napoléon hi, who commissioned a series of portraits of members of the imperial family and of other prominent individuals. In 1874, Carpeaux finished Les Quatres Parties du monde for the fountain of the Observatory of Paris.