Lot 3
  • 3

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse French, 1824-1887

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description

  • Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
  • L'Amour Désarmé (An Allegorical group of Love Disarming a woman)
  • signed: A. CARRiER-BELLEUSE
  • terracotta,  on an ebonised wood socle

Condition

This terracotta is in good condition. There are slight chips to socle. This terracotta retains a very lovely and well preserved original surface. Wear, rubbing consitent witn 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."

Catalogue Note

The inspiration for Carrier-Belleuse's L'Amour Désarmé has its origins in an eighteenth-century Sèvres model.  His version of this group is tender and charming but is more maternal and erotic than that of the prior century.  The terracotta epitomises two of the sculptor's most characteristic features, an elegant young nubile woman and playful enfants.  Interestingly, despite its inspiration, Carrier's terracotta was produced first in 1871, five years before he started working at Sèvres as artistic director.  A marble version of the model is in the Ponce Art Museum, Puerto Rico.

RELATED LITERATURE
Lami, vol 1, p. 283; Hargrove, pp. 249-250, pl. 232