Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was one of the most important and innovative sculptors of nineteenth-century France. During his long career at the Paris Salon and beyond, Carrier-Belleuse was responsible for important public monuments, as well as creating decorative sculpture for a diverse clientele. His terracotta models, many of which depict playful mythological subjects, were reproduced widely. Carrier-Belleuse’s prolific workshop became an important training ground for younger sculptors, notably Auguste Rodin, who acted as the master’s assistant between 1864 and 1870.

This beautiful marble of a woman holding a mirror represents a rare model by the sculptor. It appears to be the only known marble version of the model, which was also executed in terracotta, as is attested by the version (of smaller size, 66cm.) sold at Sotheby’s Paris on 3 December 2020 (lot 127). The present marble exhibits a highly accomplished level of carving. With her luxuriant tresses and suggestively cascading drapery, the figure epitomises the Belle-Époque sensuality evoked by Carrier-Belleuse’s nudes.

RELATED LITERATURE

J. Hargrove, The Life and Work of Albert Carrier-Belleuse, New York and London, 1977; J. Hargrove and G. Grandjean, Carrier-Belleuse. Le maître de Rodin, exh. cat., Palais de Compiègne, Paris, 2014