# The relaxed attitude

In order to complete his work, Carpeaux observed the prince on numerous occasions during his classes and during the posing sessions planned for the piece. He also attended the prince's dance classes, which may have influenced his choice of the prince's final attire in the work. Indeed, the character wears a jacket, tie, baggy pants and silk stockings, typical attire for official occasions during the Second Empire.

The child adopts a contrapposto pose, standing with his left leg forward and the weight of his body resting on his right leg, giving him the stature of an antique sculpture. The dog embraces him from the left, its head protruding under the prince's left arm. The prince runs his hand over the animal's neck, as if to caress it and show his affection. In contrast to his elegant posture, this scene of life also shows him in a relaxed attitude with his faithful companion.

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, La leçon de danse,
19th century, Compiègne, chateau
source : (C) GrandPalaisRmn (Domaine de Compiègne)
/ Thierry Le Mage

This study after the Prince Impérial shows that Carpeaux drew direct inspiration for his work from the Prince's dancing poses. Here, the left leg is advanced in relation to the right, and the Prince's relaxed, flowing stance is evident.

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Le Prince impérial et le chien Néro,
1865, plaster sketch, 43.8x16.1x13.7cm, Paris, Musée d'Orsay
Credit: Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt