Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Overall the condition of the terracotta is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some slight stable fissures around the satyr's proper right lower leg, suggesting this may have been reattached. The terracotta is coated in an original lacquer, which has flaked very slightly in a few areas. There are a few small chips and abrasions to the terrasse.
"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."

A variant model of the present group depicting a nymph and satyr in a slightly altered arrangement appeared as lot 134 in these rooms, 5 October 2000. The two models may have been designed as pendants, although, a similar group of a Nymph and Triton (Sotheby's London, lot 163, 19 April 2000) shows that Carrier-Belleuse continued to adapt this theme which could be paired in a number of ways. All these groups recall earlier Renaissance and Baroque studies of rape groups such as Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women and Bernini's Rape of Prosperine. 

RELATED LITERATURE
J.E. Hargrove, The Life and Work of Albert Carrier-Belleuse, New York and London, 1977, pls. 235-6