Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875).
His major envois -- the Neapolitan Fisherboy and multi-figural Ugolino (both begun 1857) -- introduced yet his name in Paris and provided the artistic and commercial germs for his entire life. Carpeaux provided a highly visible, radical alternative to prevailing norms for sculptors of his own generation as well as the following one. Considered a telling barometer of his age, he and his work aroused bitter public debate. Critics accused him of shameless ambition for seeking constant public exposure. His work was considered just as aggressive. Advocates and opponents alike agreed that his architectural decorations overwhelmed their architectural frameworks.
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