"La Source," patinated terracotta sculptural group, signed and dated "A. Carrier 1864," presented atop a gilt wood plinth with beaded decoration, the grouping shows two putti conversing over a flowing spring. Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse's bronzes and terracottas, finely produced under his supervision, were sold in public auctions beginning in 1868. This particular subject is sometimes interpreted as the Allegory of Earth & Water. Made in several sizes in 1864, references to the sale of this work appear in public sales of 1883 and 1887. (see Hargrove, June Ellen, The Life and Work of Albert Carrier-Belleuse Garland Publishing (Outstanding Dissertations Series), New York and London, 1977).

DOA 11.5 x 16 x 6 in.

Private Collection from Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Some rubbing to applied patina especially over signature; wear and flaking to plinth.

$2,000 - 4,000