Rating and value of works, sculptures by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Key takeaways
- A leading French sculptor of the 19th century (1824–1887), Carrier-Belleuse is known for his works in marble and bronze, which are particularly prized by French buyers.
- Prices for sculptures vary considerably, ranging from €70 to €720,000 depending on the material: terracotta (€70–78,700), bronze (€80–180,000), and marble (€100–720,000).
- In 2019, a marble sculpture that exceeded its estimate (€22,500–36,000) sold for €108,100, illustrating the recurring rise in auction prices.
If you own a work by or after the artist Carrier-Belleuse, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of the artist Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Considered one of the last classical sculptors in France, Carrier-Belleuse was recognized during his lifetime. He followed in the artistic vein of David d'Angers. His legacy therefore consists mainly of sculptures in a variety of materials, especially bronze. Today, prices for his works are steadily rising under the auctioneer's hammer. His sculptures are prized above all by French buyers, and the price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €70 to €72,000, a considerable delta, which nevertheless speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Carrier-Belleuse's works. In 2019, one of his marble sculptures sold for €108,100 while it was estimated at between €22,500 and €36 000.
Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Bronze volume | From €80 to €180,000 |
Terracotta | From €70 to €78 700€ |
Marble | From 100 to 720,000€ |
Estimate in less than 24h
Style and technique by artist Carrier Belleuse
The artist is part of thesculptural neoclassicism, becoming one of the most famous and sought-after sculptors of his time. He worked extensively with marble, but also with bronze, and it is the latter material that is most often found in his works on the auction market.
The life of Carrier-Belleuse
Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887), a French artist, became an important figure in the 19th-century art world, and was the most sought-after sculptor of the Second Empire. His father was a notary and he was born in the Aisne region. His father died when he was ten, and his family was unable to support him. Étienne and François Arago took charge of his education.
He began his training with an apprenticeship with Bauchery, a chiseler. He also learns goldsmithing from Jacques Henri Fauconnier. François Arago introduces him to David d'Angers, and thanks to him he enters the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Numerous bronze houses take notice of his work, and he is soon in demand for numerous commissions for candelabras, penders and cartels.
He has an affair with Anne-Louise Adnot, a watercolorist, whom he marries some time later, and exhibits in the same year at the Salon des Artistes Français for the first time. During a stay in England, he becomes director of Mintons. He returned to France and set up his own studio in what is now the 9th arrondissement of Paris. He became famous for his marbles, some of which were exhibited at the Salon and purchased by Napoleon III. The French government also bought furniture with religious themes to decorate churches. He is also a building decorator, like Louis Ernest Barrias. He thus created decorative sculptures for the Louvre Palace and the Brussels Stock Exchange, among others.
He joined the national committee of the Société des Beaux-Arts, and in 1973 took part in the construction of the Opéra, thanks to Charles Garnier and the support of Napoleon III.
Carrier-Belleuse's imprint on his period
Carrier Belleuse proved in France that classical sculpture was still alive. Like the Italians of the Renaissance, he drew inspiration from antique subjects and used their techniques. On the art market today, his bronzes are priced, and his marbles even more so.
He left a unique legacy, thanks to the artists he trained without his studio, among them Auguste Rodin, and passed on his artistic vein to the Sèvres manufactory, where he was director at the end of his career.
Recognizing Carrier-Belleuse's signature
Carrier-Belleuse signs " Carrier " on his sculptures, most of the time. There are, however, many copies, which is why expertise is important.
Knowing the value of a work
If you happen to own a work by Carrier-Belleuse or after the artist, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as ad hoc information about it. If you are considering selling your work, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market.
Estimate in less than 24h
Works from the same period sold at auction
Discover in the same theme
Rating and value of paintings by Louise Abbéma
Louise Abbéma is a 19th-century artist who produced many paintings that are highly valued at auction. Estimated 24h.
Learn more >
Rating and value of paintings by Theodore Robinson
Theodore Robinson is an American Impressionist painter who produced works in France. His works are highly valued.
Learn more >
Rating and value of paintings by Stanislas Lépine
Stanislas Lépine was a 19th-century landscape painter who produced many works that are highly valued at auction.
Learn more >
Secure site, anonymity preserved
Auctioneer approved by the State
Free and certified estimates
Frequently asked questions
-
Who was Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, and what was his role in French sculpture?Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824–1887) was one of the most famous and sought-after sculptors of the Second Empire, recognized as one of the last great classical sculptors in France. He worked in the tradition of neoclassical sculpture and trained major artists such as Auguste Rodin, while passing on his legacy to the Sèvres porcelain manufactory, of which he was director.
-
What is the price range for Carrier-Belleuse sculptures on the market?The prices of Carrier-Belleuse’s works vary considerably depending on the material and rarity: bronze sculptures sell for between €80,000 and €180,000, terracotta sculptures for between €70,000 and €78,700, and marble sculptures for between €100,000 and €720,000. In 2019, a marble sculpture estimated at between €22,500 and €36,000 sold for €108,100, illustrating the strong demand for his sculptures.
-
How can you authenticate a sculpture by Carrier-Belleuse and verify that it is not a copy?Carrier-Belleuse usually signed his sculptures “Carrier,” but there are many copies on the market. To authenticate a piece and obtain an accurate estimate, we recommend requesting a free appraisal from our certified auctioneers and experts, who will provide you with a detailed response within 48 hours.
-
Is this a good time to sell a work by Carrier-Belleuse?Yes, this is a favorable period: prices for Carrier-Belleuse’s sculptures are consistently rising at auction, and demand remains strong, particularly among French collectors. The market shows strong appreciation for his works, especially high-quality marble and bronze pieces.
-
How does the appraisal process work at Auctie's, and what are the timeframes?The appraisal is free and non-binding: simply submit a request via our online form, and a member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide an accurate estimate of your artwork’s market value, usually within 48 hours. If you’d like to sell, we’ll work with you to get the best possible price.
