Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The marble would benefit from a professional clean. A restoration is visible at the woman's proper right index and middle finger. The woman's proper left big toe is lost; a metal dowel is visible in its place. The handle of the sword is carved separately and is slightly loose. There is veining to the marble consistent with the material, including a small vein to the man's abdomen and further veins to one of the folds of his cloak at the back and the woman's proper left knee. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions in the marble, including to the woman's proper right side of the neck and proper left foot, and the man's proper right underarm and his proper left leg; some of the inclusions have been filled. There are a few small chips to the marble, including to one of the folds of the cloak at the back. There are several chips and abrasions to the bottom edge of the marble terrasse. The bronze mounted veined marble base is in good condition with minor dirt and wear to the surface. There are chips and abrasions to the edges and some of the corners, in particular the top edge where the bronze mount is attached. There is wear to the gilding on the bronze. There are several scratches to the marble at the top of the base.
"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."

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 impressive marble group is rare and seemingly unrecorded in Carrier-Belleuse’s oeuvre. It depicts a classical hero putting on his helmet for battle, while a reclining nude woman looks up at him in contemplation, perhaps distressed by the warrior’s imminent departure. It is unclear which particular hero is represented, but the scene most likely refers to the Trojan War and its warriors' separation from their wives to win eternal glory on the battle field. A famous example is Hector, the Trojan prince, and his wife Andromache, whose heartbreaking farewell before battle is described in Book VI of the Iliad. The present sculpture conveys the poignancy of the warrior’s departure as well as evoking the grandeur of Homer’s epic heroes. The woman’s romantic gesture and the intricately carved flowers at the base add a decorative appeal that is characteristic of Carrier-Belleuse’s work.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l’école française au dix-neuvième siècle, vol. 1, Paris, 1914, pp. 276-287