Félix-Joseph BARRIAS (1822-1907) - Lot 572

Félix-Joseph BARRIAS (1822-1907) Greek dancer with tambourine Oil on canvas. H_119 cm L_91 cm Signed and dated "F. J. Barrias - 1864" lower right Slight damage to the edge of the frame (top left), restorations Son of a porcelain painter and brother of a sculptor, Félix-Joseph Barrias studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the tutelage of Léon Coignet. He exhibited at the Salon for the first time in 1840. Initially attracted to the art of portraiture, he later turned to history painting. In 1844, he won the Prix de Rome for Cincinnatus Receiving the Members of the Senate, and spent several years at the several years at the Villa Medici. On his return to France, he exhibited at the Salon, at the Universal Exhibition, where he was awarded the gold medal in 1889, as well as at the Société nationale des Beaux-Arts. A major figure on the French art scene, he trained many students in his studio many students, including the young Edgar Degas. Barrias also for the Opéra Garnier, and was awarded the Légion d'honneur d'honneur in 1897. Our painting, remarkable for its size and finesse of execution, depicts two young women in oriental dress. In the background, two men in the background, two men seem to be admiring the Greek dancer in the center of the scene and praise her beauty. With great virtuosity, Félix-Joseph Barrias recreates the impression of movement the impression of movement and the transparency of the garment. This work can be compared with a smaller composition by Barrias (32.5 × 24.2 cm), now in the Musée de La Roche-sur-Yon. We would like to thank Madame Margarida Güell-Baró for confirming the work's authenticity authenticity of the work after photo examination (May 20, 2026) and for providing the following details the following details: "At the Salon of 1864, Barrias presented two subjects of the Greek spirit: n°89: Epistle to Augustus: Horace, Augustus and Maecenas and n°90: Danseuse au triclinium".