Carrier-Belleuse

Carrier-Belleuse

This elegant bronze sculpture is an evocative allegory of Hunting and Fishing, created by the celebrated French sculptor A. E. Carrier-Belleuse during the mid-nineteenth century. Exemplifying the sophisticated taste of France circa 1865, the piece captures the artistic flair and technical prowess characteristic of the era.

Origin: France
Date: Circa 1865
Material: Bronze

Dimensions: Height including the base 55 cm (21.75 in), Width 19 cm (7.5 in)

Condition: Excellent patina with minor signs of age commensurate with its period

This Carrier-Belleuse bronze sculpture stands as a fine testament to the height of French academic realism in the second half of the nineteenth century. The artist’s works have long been admired for their expressive detail and imaginative form, with notable examples featured in leading collections such as the Musée d’Orsay. Through its allegorical themes and masterful execution, this piece is representative of the period’s fascination with both naturalism and romanticised mythologies.

Notable Features:

• Superb bronze craftsmanship, capturing delicate facial features, flowing drapery, and restrained movement
• Exquisite detailing, evident in the intricate depiction of hunting and fishing accoutrements
• Strong echoes of the Neoclassical revival, with harmonious symmetry and well-proportioned compositions

The design significance of this Carrier-Belleuse sculpture lies in its skilful blending of Neoclassical influences with a vital, naturalistic approach. The graceful curves and dynamic balance convey a sense of poised elegance, while subtle references to ancient allegory root the work firmly in its historical context.

Collectors will appreciate the rarity of such a well-preserved and finely modelled bronze from a renowned artist whose reputation has only grown over time. Its impressive form and desirable scale make it a standout for connoisseurs of nineteenth-century sculpture, and its provenance adds considerable value to any discerning collection.

Highly suitable for both display and as a focal point within a private or public setting, this bronze masterpiece would enhance any interior, while serving as a tangible link to the artistry of nineteenth-century France. Whether for a seasoned collector or as a signature piece in a refined décor scheme, it represents the finest traditions of sculptural excellence.