Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was one of the most important and innovative sculptors of nineteenth-century France. During his long career at the Paris Salon and beyond, Carrier-Belleuse was responsible for important public monuments, as well as creating decorative sculpture for a diverse clientele. His terracotta models, many of which depict playful mythological subjects, were reproduced widely. Carrier-Belleuse’s prolific workshop became an important training ground for younger sculptors, notably Auguste Rodin, who acted as the master’s assistant between 1864 and 1870.

In this charming terracotta the three graces are depicted with their arms raised to hold a vase above their heads. Clad in classicising robes which cinch at the waist and cascade to expose the central figure’s breast, the composition epitomises the Belle-Époque sensuality evoked by Carrier-Belleuse’s nudes. Another version of this model is held at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (inv. no. 1998.24) and a larger marble version was sold at Sotheby’s Paris on the 20^th of April 2012 as lot 209.