Terracotta Sculpture – The Two Muses – Albert-ernest Carrier-belleuse (1824–1887)

A magnificent 19th-century terracotta sculpture by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887), one of the most eminent and influential French sculptors of the Second Empire. The terracotta work is signed by the artist and mounted on an elegant stained wooden pedestal.

The sculpture depicts two female figures draped in the classical style, interpreted as muses or nymphs, seated on an elegant bench adorned with scrollwork. One of the figures leans tenderly on the other’s shoulder, while an ancient lyre rests behind them—a classical symbol of music, poetry, and inspiration. The piece exudes a sense of serenity, harmony, and refined sensuality, perfectly illustrating the neoclassical elegance characteristic of Carrier-Belleuse.

Carrier-Belleuse’s remarkable mastery of clay modeling—which earned him international renown—is evident here in every detail. The faces, executed with great finesse, reveal delicate expressions. The richly detailed hairstyles are adorned with braids, floral motifs, and a classical tiara. The drapery, supple and natural, is modeled with great virtuosity, while the soft lines of the anatomy highlight the graceful aesthetic of the Neo-Rococo and Neoclassical styles characteristic of French sculpture from the second half of the 19th century.

The sculpture is preserved in excellent original condition and features a warm, original patina that underscores its authenticity and character. It shows only slight signs of wear consistent with its age.