Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a slip to the surface which may conceal condition points not visible to the naked eye. There is a colouration difference in the terracotta: towards the base it has an orange hue which gradually becomes more yellow towards the top. There are some splashes of dirt to the man's arms, to the right woman's arms and face, and to the urn. There are also dirt marks to the legs of all the figures. It is possible that the right figure's proper right index finger is reattached. There is a small chip to the man's proper left big toe. There are some slight fissures in the terracotta consistent with the material, notably to the base at the bottom of the drapery, by the feet of the figures, and in the drapery at the back. The group is composed in sections, and some joints are slightly visible, in particular where the urn connects with the drapery at the back. There are small chips to the edges of the base, notably at the back of the group.
"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."

Auguste Rodin joined the workshop of Carrier-Belleuse in 1864. The strong, muscular and sinuous legs of the Hercules figure seen in Deux Bacchantes et un Hercule portant un vase are reminiscent of the legs in Carrier-Belleuse's Vase of the Titans (version of c. 1876-8; London, V&A).  Although the Vase of the Titans is signed by Carrier-Belleuse, it is generally accepted that the figures were modelled by Rodin and based on the drawings of the master. The present vase group was likely a collaboration between Carrier and Rodin after Rodin's trip to Italy in 1875. It exhibits the Michelangelesque modelling which so much influenced Rodin's work after this visit. This style is distinguished from the more formal modelling he did earlier in his career under the direction of Carrier-Belleuse, such as the Innocence Tormented by Love, a work on which it is known he collaborated. 

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Janson, "Rodin and Carrier-Belleuse: the Vase of the Titans", The Art Bulletin, vol. L, 1968, pp. 278-280