Albert-ernest Carrier-belleuse (1824–1887) – The Reader – Chryselephantine Sculpture – 19th Century

Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887) – The Reader – Chryselephantine sculpture – 19th century

An important and refined chryselephantine sculpture in patinated bronze and ivory, depicting The Reader, a model by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887).

The face and hands, delicately carved from ivory, contrast with the richness of the bronze. Its deep brown patina features, in places, beautiful silvery-gray hues that highlight the reliefs and the extraordinary craftsmanship of the costume.

An important and refined bronze and ivory sculpture depicting a young woman in period costume, absorbed in reading a book.

The delicately tilted face and hands, carved from ivory, contrast with the richness of the bronze and lend this figure a particularly gentle and contemplative expression.

The craftsmanship of the costume is remarkable for its finesse and abundance of detail. The bodice, sleeves, and wide borders of the dress are adorned with floral motifs, embroidery, and relief decorations of great precision. The fabrics are rendered with virtuosity, alternating between finely chiseled surfaces and deep drapings that lend movement and elegance to the silhouette.

The deep, nuanced brown patina features beautiful silvery-gray highlights in places, particularly visible on certain folds of the dress. These variations in tone emphasize the modeling and lend additional depth to the overall effect.

This decorative richness is characteristic of the work of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887), one of the great French sculptors of the second half of the 19th century, particularly admired for the elegance of his female figures and the virtuosity of his compositions.

The sculpture rests on a substantial, molded circular base.

Signed “A. CARRIER-BELLEUSE” on the pedestal.

A work of great presence, remarkable for its proportions, the richness of its costume, the quality of its chiseling, and the subtle contrast between the patinated bronze and the ivory.

Period: second half of the 19th century
Materials: bronze with a brown patina tinged with silvery-gray highlights and ivory
Signature: A. Carrier-Belleuse