Paris, E. Colin & Cie 19th century.

Placed on a beautiful dark red marble pedestal. Height: ca. 31,5 cm; width: ca. 11 cm (all measurements including pedestal). Weight: 1,838 kg. In very good condition. Signed. Very beautiful sculpture of a Neapolitan dancer with a tambourin in his right hand. The sculptor, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was a French sculptor who became one of the most prolific artists of the century, achieving great success during the Second Empire with the personal support of Napoleon III. Carrier-Belleuse's work was heavily influenced by Italian Renaissance and 18th century styles, which he helped revive. He had a significant contribution to the improvement of decorative and industrial arts, operating from his studio at 15 rue de la Tour d'Auvergne in Paris, where many artists, including Auguste Rodin, worked. Carrier-Belleuse also served as the director of art works at the Manufacture de Sèvres towards the end of his life, overseeing the renewal of collections and the modernization of style. Carrier-Belleuse's sons, Louis Robert and Pierre Carrier-Belleuse, also made significant contributions to the arts. Despite facing early challenges after his father's death, Carrier-Belleuse's talent was recognized early on, and he received notable commissions for decorative pieces. He participated in the Salon des artistes français, gaining fame for his marbles and terracotta busts, which portrayed celebrities of his time and figures from mythology and history. His career was marked by a prolific output of decorative sculptures, including the cariatides of the Théâtre de la Renaissance and the sculptures adorning various buildings and monuments across France and abroad. Carrier-Belleuse was instrumental in modernizing the Manufacture de Sèvres, introducing new designs for vases and decorative pieces. He played a significant role in shaping the careers of young artists, notably Auguste Rodin, who apprenticed in his studio. Carrier-Belleuse's influence can be seen in Rodin's early works, and their collaboration produced notable pieces like the Piédestal des Titans. Though admired for his rapid execution and imaginative designs, Carrier-Belleuse faced criticism from some contemporaries, yet his work garnered praise from critics like Baudelaire and Théophile Gautier. According to Rodin, Carrier-Belleuse possessed elements of the beautiful blood of the 18th century, demonstrating significant artistic value despite occasional shortcomings in execution.

Bestell-Nr: 296455