Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887)

Fine pair of patinated bronze figural water carrier sculpture 

French circa 1880

Inscribed Carrier, after the models by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887), late 19th Century

Each cast as a standing classical maiden, draped in loosely garments; both with one arm above the head to support an ewer, the opposing arm bent gracefully at the shoulder; the heads turned slightly, with idealized features and coiffures bound with headcarves; the bodies modeled with characteristic fluidity associated with Carrier-Belleuse's sculptural vocabulary; set on circular intregral bases, inscribed Carrier.

Height 41 inches (104 cm).

Footnote:

These figures derive from the repertoire of Carrier-Belleuse, whose work bridged academic classicism and the more animated naturalism later embraced by his pupil, Rodin. His models especially female allegorical and genre figures were widely reproduced in bronze during the late 19th century by Parisian foundries.