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Lot Essay
Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887) was one of the leading sculptors of the Second Empire whose contribution to the field of 19th century decorative arts is probably unsurpassed. He established probably the busiest studio of the Second Empire, maintaining careful supervision of over fifty assistants producing all manner of busts, ornaments, statues and other decorative objects.
The Warwick Vase, a colossal marble vase from the 2nd century AD, became one of the most celebrated pieces of antiquity. The vase, measuring nearly six feet high, was excavated in 1770 from a lake at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli and acquired by Sir William Hamilton, antiquarian and Ambassador to Naples. It was later sold to the Earl of Warwick who installed it on the grounds of Warwick Castle. It served as inspiration for reproductions in silver, bronze marble, etc. during the 19th century.
The Warwick Vase, a colossal marble vase from the 2nd century AD, became one of the most celebrated pieces of antiquity. The vase, measuring nearly six feet high, was excavated in 1770 from a lake at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli and acquired by Sir William Hamilton, antiquarian and Ambassador to Naples. It was later sold to the Earl of Warwick who installed it on the grounds of Warwick Castle. It served as inspiration for reproductions in silver, bronze marble, etc. during the 19th century.