Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. At least four of the spheres on the comb are reattached and the third from the right is loose. There appears to be a restored break to the body of the comb. There are a few splits to the wood sole consistent with the material, and wear to the paint work.
"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 attractive model, commissioned around 1854 by Henri Ardant, Director of the Limoges Porcelain factory, echoes the mild eroticism of L'Automne - one of the first of Carrier's series of fantasy busts.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l'école française au dix-neuvième siècle, Paris, 1914, vol i, p. 284; J. E. Hargrove, The Life and Work of Albert Carrier-Belleuse, New York and London, 1977, p. 217