Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse French, 1824-1887

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. There are minor cracks and wear to the base. There are a few cracks, chips and minor wear to the surface consistent with age.
"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."

Carrier-Belleuse's marble Entre deux amour was exhibited at the Salon of 1867 no. 2168 to great acclaim.  Du Camp wrote of the sculpture, "Le ciseau a été partout d'une habileté extraordinaire; M.Carrier-Belleuse est incontestablement un praticien de premier ordre; il ne néglige aucun détail et se plaît à rendre dans toute leur gracieuse minutie les mille inflexions de la chair; il interprète la vie aussi près que possibile et donne au marbre des frissonnements d'epiderme" .

Invention and style are characteristics of Carrier-Belleuse's work. His handling of terracotta, in works such as the present Entre deux amours demonstrates his innovative technical contributions to contemporary sculpture. By developing a method to keep the terracotta partly moist during the firing process, he was able to add delicate modelling which gave each cast the impression of a freshly modelled work. He ran an efficient and controlled studio which maintained his high standards of craftsmanship. Carrier-Belleuse's involvement with the Minton factory in England and Sèvres factory in France undoubtedly assisted him in establishing the required techniques and operational knowledge.  An efficient studio, however, is nothing without the artistic inspiration and style needed to satisfy the constant demand for elegant, yet individual models. This Carrier-Belleuse provided throughout his career, forever inventing and re-inventing attractive and commercial models

RELATED LITERATURE
Lami, vol. 1, p. 280