Bust of a Chinese Man

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Carpeaux crafted two distinct versions of Le Chinois, with the current model based on the initial rendition created in 1868. This version stands out from its 1872 counterpart by its more sketchy and spontaneous sculpting style. In this instance, Carpeaux skillfully captures the essence of his sitter while demonstrating a high level of scientific precision reminiscent of Cordier's ethnic busts. The Bust was conceived as part of Carpeaux's monumental work Quatre Parties du Monde, commissioned by the city of Paris in 1867 to serve as the crowning element of architect Davioud's Fontaine de l'Observatoire. The 1872 model was showcased at the Salon in 1872 and later in Brussels in 1874, where it was often paired with his Buste Négresse. Interestingly, when a Bust Chinois from 1868 appeared at auction in Amsterdam on October 19, 1874, it was already being referred to as the 'sketch.' Susse produced a catalogue featuring works by Carpeaux and edited both versions of the Bust Chinois, listing them as numbers 7 and 8. The 'sketch' in bronze was included in the 1914 Susse catalogue with a price tag of 800 francs. Casts of the sketch in the present size are extremely rare.