Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse French, 1824-1887

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. There is very some surface dirt, very minor chips and rubbing throughout consistent with age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This intimate group is described by Hargrove as "two ravishing nymphs seated on opposite sides of a bench, they lean toward each other. One terminates her confidence with a sigh. Her friend contemplates the tale. Hooking her joined hands over the other's shoulder, their draperies slip heedlessly down to reveal their splendid bodies, implying, in Greuzian fashion the nature of their confidences".

In the early 1880s Carrier returned to the formula of La Confidence in a group entitled Les Frissonnes in which the two girls are fully draped in pseudo-Italian provincial garb and hold a jug in place of the lyre. This latter model first appears in the sale of 21 December 1884. Carrier-Belleuse's La Confidence composition dates from the early 1870s. He offered terracottas of the group in his sales of 1874 and 1883. Additionally a terracotta of this model is recorded in the David Barclay collection.

RELATED LITERATURE
Lami, vol. 1, pl. 282; Hargrove, p.247, fig. 229