Signed Snake Charmer by Bourgeois Bronze Sculpture Marble Base Figurine

  

Bourgeois, winner of the Prix de Rome in 1863, showcased his artistic talent that same year with the creation and exhibition of the plaster version of "The Snake Charmer". Recognizing its appeal, Emperor Napoleon III (reigned from 1852 to 1870) commissioned a life-sized bronze reproduction, which now stands proudly in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

This particular sculpture offered is a reduction of the original, reflecting the widespread popularity of Bourgeois' work. "The Snake Charmer" holds significance in the art world as it embodies the ongoing debate within academic art, particularly the influence of the classical ideal.

At the time, artists sought to push the boundaries of this ideal by representing individuals of ho.