Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

After ALBERT-ERNEST CARRIER-BELLEUSE (1824-1887)
"Cherubs".
Sculpture in patinated bronze.
The clock is later.
Signed and titled.
Measurements: 70 x 24 x 23 cm.

This sculpture in patinated bronze, titled "Cherubs" and signed, is inspired by the models of the French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, a leading figure of the decorative art of the nineteenth century. It presents a dynamic and lively composition starring two angelic-looking children, with sweet features and curly hair, depicted with graceful movement and an agile gait. Both children hold a central element that, although in its original design was not a clock, was later replaced by this functional object, probably as part of a later decorative adaptation.

The cherubs' bodies are skillfully modeled, showing turned legs and bare shoulders, which emphasizes both anatomical naturalness and the ideal of childlike beauty characteristic of academicist taste. They are partially covered by floating draperies, which drape fluidly around their figures like open tunics, accentuating the dynamism of the scene and the sensation of movement.

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was one of the most versatile and prolific sculptors of 19th century France. He was born in Anizy-le-Château in 1824 and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, although his practical training was consolidated by working as a goldsmith and porcelain modeler at the Sèvres manufactory. His career took off after his participation in several Paris Salons, where he gained recognition for his talent in decorative sculpture. His style fuses academic classicism with elements of Baroque, Rococo and, occasionally, romantic realism. Carrier-Belleuse was the teacher of several prominent sculptors, including Auguste Rodin, who worked as his assistant in Belgium in the 1860s. His work includes monumental sculpture, busts, ornamental reliefs and decorative pieces in bronze, marble and terracotta. Many of his creations were used in the decoration of public and private buildings, both in France and abroad. His ability to capture grace and dynamism in the human figure made him especially popular with the gentry of his time. He was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor and served as artistic director of the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres. He died in Sèvres in 1887, leaving a fundamental artistic legacy in European 19th century decorative sculpture. His work is still highly valued in public and private collections.