Antique 19thC French Naturalism Terracotta Sculpture "La Source" Putti Sculpture by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse,

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An original and authentic terracotta figurative group sculpture, by Albert Carrier-Belluse (1824-1887), titled "La Source", 1864.

The sculpture depicts two … Read more An original and authentic terracotta figurative group sculpture, by Albert Carrier-Belluse (1824-1887), titled "La Source", 1864.

The sculpture depicts two putto or cherubs wearing laurel wreaths in their hair and engaged playfully around a small rustic water barrel. One putto with his finger to his lips making a "shush" gesture, the other putto leans forward with his hand reaching in to the flowing water from the barrel.
The figures are seated on a naturalistic base modeled as a rocky outcrop, the sculpture is made from terracotta and has a warm reddish-brown patina, signed to the base "A. Carrier". The artist's early works were always signed "A. Carrier" and post 1862 when he received the Legion d'Honneur his works were signed "Carrier-Belluse".
The sculpture is in excellent antique condition and is ready to grace your space.

Artist Biography:
Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887) was a prolific and celebrated French sculptor of the Second Empire. He famously balanced high fine art with Born in Anizy-le-Château, France. He began his career as a goldsmith's apprentice at age thirteen, he studied under master David d'Angers at the École des Beaux-Arts. He left briefly to train in the applied arts at the Petite École.
He famously employed and mentored Auguste Rodin from 1864 to 1870.
Carrier-Belluse work fused severe academic Realism with dynamic Neo-Baroque forms and charming Rococo and naturalistic motifs.
He mass-produced tabletop statuettes, clocks, and ceramic works directly from his massive Paris workshop.
He was appointed artistic director of the prestigious Sèvres porcelain manufactory in 1876.
The artist had executed many public works and commissions including the torchères for the grand staircase of the Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House). He also designed pediment reliefs on the Louvre's Pavilion de Flore.
Carrier-Belluse's works is housed in many of the internationally famous galleries and museums. See less