Carpeaux at work at The Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon

myminifactory

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875), master sculptor of the Second Empire, unleashes his creative force. Standing tall, he wears an open smock and grips a clay sphere, while his other hand cradles the initial draft. A gavel rests against the rough-hewn base beneath him. Bourdelle honors the artist's legacy with this tribute. He visited Carpeaux's workshop several times to capture the sculptor at work, deeply engrossed in his model. In 19th-century art, sculpture is often synonymous with modeling. Bourdelle, having just parted ways with Rodin's studio, embarks on the most productive phase of his career. The idea for this piece likely originated from a bust commission by amateur art enthusiast Jacques Doucet. Bourdelle then brings to life a portrait of unprecedented length, probably a one-of-a-kind cast, acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon the following year.