In addition to such historical novels as The False Demetriuses, this author created such fantastic characters as a copper statue that comes to life and kills would be lovers in The Venus of Ille, as well as a dissolute young man who is granted three wishes by Jesus, Federigo.  
In one of this author's works the Countess Mathilde's ownership of a beautiful heirloom inspires the jealous Saint Clair to fight a duel and he dies.  That work, The Etruscan Vase, was written four years before this writer's reimagining of the Don Juan legend, The Souls of Purgatory.  In addition to such historical novels as The False Demetriuses, this author created such fantastic characters as a copper statue that comes to life and kills would be lovers in The Venus of Ille, as well as a dissolute young man who is granted three wishes by Jesus, Federigo.  He first made his name with a pair of literary hoaxes titled The Theater of Clara Gazul and La Guzla.  Most of his short stories were published in the volume Mosaic, including one set in Porto Vechhio, Corsica, that ends with Fortunato being killed by the title character, "Mateo Falcone."  For 10 points, identify this French author of a story about Don Jose's love for a gypsy named Carmen.
In one of this author's works the Countess Mathilde's ownership of a beautiful heirloom inspires the jealous Saint Clair to fight a duel and he dies.  
Prosper Merimee