‘Zingara’, antique French bronze sculpture of a tambourine girl by Barbedienne

‘Zingara’, antique French bronze sculpture of a tambourine girl by Barbedienne
French, c. 1890
Height 105cm, width 33cm, depth 43cm
 
A captivating bronze sculpture inspired by Jean-Baptiste Clésinger’s (French, 1814-1883) celebrated 1857 model, ‘Zingara’ this piece reflects the romanticism and vitality of mid-19th century French art. This version was cast by the esteemed Barbedienne foundry—renowned for its superior quality bronzes and collaborations with many of France’s leading sculptors.
 
The sculpture depicts a spirited Neapolitan dancer captured in the midst of motion. Her expressive pose features arms raised aloft, one hand rhythmically holding a tambourine, inviting the viewer to imagine the lively music that accompanies her graceful dance. Her head tilts skyward, evoking both joy and abandon, while one foot lifts behind her and the other balances on tiptoe, heightening the sense of movement.
 
Lightly clad, the figure’s upper body is bare, while soft, flowing drapery elegantly covers her shoulders and lower half. The attention to ornamentation is striking: strands of beaded jewellery encircle her wrists and arms, with similar decorative elements intricately woven into her hair, creating visual harmony and narrative depth. She stands beside a sculpted tree trunk, anchoring the performance within a natural, outdoor setting.
 
The artistry of the casting is exceptional, with crisp definition in the textures of the fabric, jewellery, and tree bark, all hallmarks of Barbedienne’s mastery. Clésinger’s dynamic design and anatomical accuracy are enhanced by the foundry’s precise execution, preserving the sculpture’s dramatic energy and lifelike charm.
 
It bears the signature ‘J. Clésinger / Rome 1858’ on the tree trunk, with the base stamped ‘F. Barbedienne. Fondeur’ and ‘Réduction Mécanique / A. Collas’, denoting the use of Achille Collas’s mechanical reduction process.
 
This fine bronze work serves as a striking focal point in both contemporary and classical settings.
 
Artist/Maker: Barbedienne