A pair of French gilt and patinated bronze thirteen-light candelabra, early 20th century, after models by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

John Martin Robinson, 'Corby Castle Cumbria' in Country Life, 30th November 2000, p.48, fig.2 (illustrated in the entrance hall). See Country Life image archive, FCH000598774 (available at: https://www.futurecontenthub.com/asset/608313/)

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887) was one of the most important and innovative sculptors of 19th-century France. During his long career, Carrier-Belleuse was responsible for important public monuments, as well as creating decorative sculpture and portraits busts for a diverse clientele. He contributed to the embellishment of the Louvre, the Tribune du Commerce, the Théâtre de la Renaissance, the Banque de France and Charles Garnier’s Opéra with his magnificent electrotyped torchères (1873 in situ), each with its three over-life-size figures, for the Opéra’s grand staircase. One of his major contributions to sculpture is the introduction of 19th-century technology in his workshop to efficiently reproduce his models of small-scale sculpture for an eager market. Carrier-Belleuse’s prolific workshop also became an important training ground for younger sculptors, notably Auguste Rodin, who acted as the master’s assistant between 1864 and 1870.

The present candelabra are a beautiful example of Carrier-Belleuse's penchant for sensual female figures, characteristic of the Belle Epoque sensitivity. It is in these subjects where his imagination could have free reign and as a result his virtuosity was showcased fully.

In 1884, Carrier-Belleuse published 200 drawings in “Application de la figure humaine à la décoration et à l’ornementation industrielle”. Designed to be used as models for fellow artists, many of his drawings feature figures in a similar manner to those on the present.

Other examples of this popular model after Carrier-Belleuse have sold, amongst others see a pair at Christie's, London, 19 May 2021, lot 269 (£37,500), a pair at Christie's, New York, 9 April 2008, lot 5 ($109,000) and a pair at Christie’s, London, 22 September 2011, lot 240 (£73,250).