Offered by Mora Antiques
Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger (1814–1883)
Zingara, Neapolitan Dancer
Patinated bronze with gilt highlights
Signed and dated “J. Clésinger, Rome 1858”
Bearing the “Réduction Mécanique – Collas” stamp
H. 88 × W. 30 × D. 30 cm
An elegant and imposing bronze sculpture depicting Clésinger’s celebrated Zingara, or Neapolitan dancer.
The young woman is portrayed in a graceful and theatrical pose, her arms raised above her head while holding a tambourine. The twisting movement of her body and the abundant flowing drapery lend the composition a remarkable sense of rhythm and movement.
Clésinger paid particular attention to the richness of detail. The jewellery, necklaces, costume ornaments and tambourine are finely modelled, while the gilt highlights provide an elegant contrast with the deep brown patination of the bronze.
The sculpture is signed and dated:
“J. Clésinger, Rome 1858”
and bears the stamp:
“Réduction Mécanique – Collas”
The original model was created in Rome in 1858 and exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1859. The composition is also known as La Danseuse napolitaine. Bronze editions of the model were produced using the mechanical reduction process developed by Achille Collas.
A particularly attractive example of 19th-century French sculpture, combining movement, sensuality and rich decorative detail.
Delevery information :
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