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Le Trait d’Union

June 1872
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 552
The term trait d’union is French for hyphen, the sign linking the parts of a compound word. Here it poetically signifies the familial ties that were renewed when Carpeaux and his wife reconciled after their little son Charles recovered from terrifying convulsions. Amélie is on Carpeaux’s lap. Charles binds their heads in an embrace. The reconciliation was brief and Carpeaux himself was soon jealous all over again and already desperately sick.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Le Trait d’Union
  • Maker: Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (French, Valenciennes 1827–1875 Courbevoie)
  • Date: June 1872
  • Culture: French, Paris
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 7 15/16 x 3 11/16 x 3 9/16 in. (20.2 x 9.4 x 9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ignazio Peluso, Ada Peluso and Romano I. Peluso Gift, 2012
  • Object Number: 2012.214
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

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Boy crying, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux French, Cast terracotta, French, Paris
Boy crying
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
1870–72
Model for the Watteau Fountain, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux French, Patinated plaster, French
Model for the Watteau Fountain
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
ca. 1867–68
Study for the Ugolino Group, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux French, Graphite
Study for the Ugolino Group
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
19th century
Bacchante with vine leaves, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux French, Terracotta; marble base, French
Bacchante with vine leaves
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
ca. 1872–75
Scene in a Tavern at Civita Vecchia, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux French, Pen and black ink on blue paper
Scene in a Tavern at Civita Vecchia
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
1858

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