Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse – The Neapolitan Dancer with the Lute

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887) – The Neapolitan Dancer with a Lute, bronze with brown patina, cast by E. Colin & Cie, Paris, circa 1882-1890
An elegant bronze sculpture with a brown patina depicting The Neapolitan Dancer with a Lute, a model created by the renowned French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887), one of the leading figures of 19th-century academic sculpture.

The young musician is portrayed in a graceful and dynamic pose, playing the lute while sketching a dance step. Crowned with vine leaves and dressed in a simple drape tied at the waist, he embodies the festive spirit and sensuality of the Neo-Pompeian scenes that contributed to Carrier-Belleuse's success during the Second Empire and the early Third Republic.
The quality of the casting highlights the particularly meticulous chiseling, from the subtle modeling of the anatomy to the delicate treatment of the drapery and hair. The beautiful original brown patina elegantly emphasizes the volumes of this dynamic composition.
The sculpture is signed "A. Carrier" on the base and bears the foundry mark of E. Colin & Cie, Paris, a firm renowned for the quality of its bronze editions at the end of the 19th century. It rests on an elegant circular base of Vert de Mer marble, which harmoniously complements the whole.

Through the quality of its execution, the renown of its creator, and the presence of the foundry mark, this work constitutes a remarkable example of late 19th-century French decorative sculpture.

Artist: Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887).
Title: The Neapolitan Dancer with a Lute.
Period: Late 19th century, circa 1882-1890.

Origin: France.
Signature: A. Carrier on the base.
Foundry: E. Colin & Cie, Paris.
Materials: Bronze with a brown patina and a Vert de Mer marble base.
Dimensions:
Height: 50 cm (19.69 in)
Width: 21 cm (8.27 in)
Condition: Excellent condition. Beautiful original patina.

Ref: 2B30LSGA0I