Carrara Marble Group "young Girl With Birds" By Carrier Belleuse

Rare and beautiful group in Carrara marble representing a lightly dressed young girl holding in her arms two birds which she is cuddling tenderly. The artist and sculptor is Albert-Ernest CARRIER BELLEUSE known as CARRIER BELLEUSE. He was born on June 12, 1824 and died on June 3, 1887. He is a French sculptor who was one of the most prolific artists of the 19th century and who enjoyed great success during the Second Empire. He was also personally supported by Emperor Napoleon III. In 1863, he exhibited at the Salon Bacchante in marble. It was purchased by Napoleon III who installed it in the Tuileries gardens from 1872 until 1984. He thus carried out the decoration of several prestigious buildings including the Opéra Garnier where are exposed the two torchieres of the main staircase. In 1855, Carrier-Belleuse opened a workshop at 15 rue de la Tour d'Auvergne, which welcomed many students, including Jospeh Chéret, Jules Dalou, but especially Auguste Rodin. The beauty of his works is eternal, his admirers and collectors are found all over the world. Condition: a few tiny chips on the bottom of the rounded base and the tip of the beak of one of the two birds seems less pointed than the other. (shine?) height 60 cm Base diameter 19 cm Max width 26 cm approx Period second half of the 19th century.