A FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED ONYX REDUCTION OF THE WARWICK VASE, ON PEDESTAL

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. Following various apprenticeships Carrier-Belleuse trained at the École des Beux-Arts and the Petit École and following his Salon debut in 1850 spent five years as director of the design school at the Minton Porcelain factory in Staffordshire, England. Upon his return to Paris Carrier-Belleuse established what would become 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.

Receiving royal commissions and critical acclaim, continuing collaborations with goldsmiths and porcelain manufactures in England and France brought a lifetime directorship of the Sèvres art department and a promotion to Officier in the Légion d'Honneur. Notable architectural projects include the torchères for the Grand Staircase of the Paris Opéra and the decorative work for the Hôtel de Païva.