Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse French, 1824-1887

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. There are remnants of plaster in the crevises. Some minor rubbing and surface dirt. There is a minor crack to the corner of the socle. There is a repaired break to his left collar.
"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."

Representations of famous historical personalities became increasingly popular during the nineteenth century. Carrier-Belleuse brought a vivacity of interpretation and immediacy of technique often lacking in the efforts of his contemporaries to this genre . His characteristic method of working the wet clay produced exceptionally fine and individual results.

The bust of Beethoven is one of a group of illustrious artists, mostly painters, created by Carrier-Belleuse in the mid-1860s. Most of the busts were reproduced in bronze and terracotta and some elaborated into full-length figures.  A terracotta bust of Beethoven sold at auction in 1868 and 1874.

RELATED LITERATURE
Lami, p. 285; Hargrove, pp. 218-21.