Carpeaux was one of the greatest sculptors of the nineteenth century. He influenced an entire generation of sculptors to come including Rodin, who was his pupil. Ironically, Rodin and Carpeaux had their works done in large editions during their lifetime and afterwards. This has led to their being very well recognized by the public yet at the same time, creating confusion as to when works were cast, in what numbers and at what date.

Carpeaux is often celebrated along with Carriere-Belleuse and Clodion as being at their best in terracotta. It was a medium that suited Carpeaux’s work and style and he executed many of sculptures in this medium. The original modelings that he did when working through a composition usually have a rougher, artistic feel to the surface.