Lot #11: The Kiss

An impressive bronze rendition of the sculpture titled The Kiss (Le Baiser) or Nymph and Faun, created by the French sculptor Aime-Jules Dalou between 1890 and 1894, this one signed A. Carrier. Inspired by ancient mythology, depicting a faun embracing and kissing a nymph - a moment of intimacy and desire, blurring the boundaries between the mythological figures. It is known from several editions cast in bronze. The original plaster version is housed in the Petit Palais in Paris. Note the signature: French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (A. Carrier) used two primary signatures for his work, with the signature changing over the course of his career: Before 1868: He signed his work simply as "Carrier" or "A. Carrier", as noted on this piece, matching the capitalized script found on his other sold items. (see pictures) According to artnet, Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was a French sculptor who had a considerable artistic impact on many young artists, most notably Auguste Rodin, who created the iconic, entwined couple The Kiss (Le Baiser), with first small versions in the 1880s, and the monumental marble commissioned in 1888, executed by Jean Turcan. Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was known for his Neoclassical, realist terra cotta sculptures frequently depicting women in historic roles. Born on June 12, 1824 in Anizy-le-Château, France, Carrier-Belleuse trained as a goldsmith's apprentice before attending the École des Beaux-Arts and working for the medallist David d’Angers. Working between England, Brussels, and Paris, the artist founded the Parisian Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, and is notable for employing celebrated Modernist Auguste Rodin as his apprentice. Before his death on June 4, 1887 in Sevres, France, Carrier-Belleuse was awarded the title of officer of the Legion of Honour. He began his career at 13 with an apprenticeship under Bauchery, a Parisian ciseleur, or chiseler. He began to receive accolades for his fine art sculptures after 10 years of showing his works. Among Albert Ernest Carrier Belleuse's sculptures and artwork for sale that received critical acclaim is the Messiah, which earned him a Medal of Honor and the cross of the Legion d'Honneur. Carrier Belleuse was entrepreneurial and often sold his sculptures directly through auctions and his own studio. He was instrumental in elevating the stature of applied arts and noted for his ornamental art designs. This work appears in good condition with the exception of small spattered wax drops, easily removable. Base appears to be marble or granite w/steel rod armature. Dimensions: 23.75"H x 5.75"W Base: 12"W Pickup category timeslot {D}