Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse 1824 - 1887 A FINE PAIR OF NÉO-GREC PARCEL GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE FIGURAL TORCHÈRES Paris, circa 1870's

set on gilt bronze mounted Lévanto rouge marble pedestals, each figure signed A. CARRIER. Fitted with modern gilt metal thirteen-light candelabra. 

Overall in good condition. Wear to patina and gilt highlights, dirt to crevices. Surface flaking and losses of varnish, particularly to the chest. The torchieres are electrified.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse studied briefly at the École des Beaux-Arts before transferring to the Petite École to turn his hand to decorative sculpture. He began producing models for commercial manufacturers whilst still a student, in an early display of the business acumen which turned him into a huge success. He gained critical and academic acclaim through his contributions to the Paris Salon. Rather than relying on State and aristocratic patronage Carrier-Belleuse began to promote and sell his work through public auctions, the first of which was held in 1868. His sculptures in terracotta, marble and bronze were produced in his workshop under his artistic direction and careful supervision. He was one of the most commercially organised and prolific sculptors of his generation, partly perhaps because he had a large family to support. As his friend the sculptor Schoenewerk said "God gave him ten children and put a chisel in every finger."

Carrier-Belleuse's sphere of influence was vast. His large workshop employed a number of sculptor's who went on to become well-known in their own right, including Alexandre Falguière, Joseph Chéret, the artist's son Louis Carrier-Belleuse and most famously Auguste Rodin. He taught at the Académie Julian and, as he had a gregarious and generous temperament, he also fostered the careers of a number of sculptors, some of whom became personal friends, such as Henri Allouard.