La Danse by the sculptor Carpeaux
La Danse is one of the most iconic sculptures in Paris. Created by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux in 1869, it is part of a group of four allegorical sculptural ensembles that adorn the facade of the Opéra Garnier – Opéra National de Paris: Harmony, also known as Poetry, by François Jouffroy, represents harmony and poetry; Instrumental Music, by Jean-Baptiste Claude Eugène Guillaume; and Lyric Drama, by Jean-Joseph Perraud.
While all four sculptures are remarkable, La Danse attracted particular attention due to a scandal at its unveiling. This vibrant work depicts a young man joyfully playing the tambourine amidst female dancers, all depicted in their birthday suits. The scandal stemmed not from the subject matter itself, but rather from the nudity of the figures, which provoked widespread outrage!
To understand why La Danse provoked such outrage, one must delve into the puritanical society of 1869. Shocked fathers indeed expressed their indignation, arguing that the sculpture not only tarnished the theatre’s reputation but was also deemed indecent, fearing it would disturb their innocent daughters.
As a sign of protest, they categorically refused to accompany their daughters to the Opéra Garnier until the controversial sculptural group was removed from its facade. Their demand for its removal was widely supported in the prudish society of the time.
Napoleon III was on the verge of yielding, but the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 quickly put an end to the controversy. With the Emperor’s abdication and the Prussian invasion of Paris, the beginning of the Paris Commune (the civil war the ensued) eclipsed any lingering dispute. In the surrounding chaos, there was indeed little room for petty squabbles!
Although the sculpture initially remained in its original location, it was moved to the Orsay Museum at the end of the 20th century, and a splendid replica was installed on the facade of the Opéra Garnier.
Directions: 9th District – Place de l’Opéra
Metro: Opéra on Lines 3, 7, 8
Coordinates Opera Garnier: Lat 48.871934 – Long 2.331767
