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Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (French, 1824–1887) A Medieval Lady Reading Bronze sculpture, late 19th century A finely modeled bronze figure depicting a contemplative medieval lady, shown standing and delicately opening a small bound book, her expression serene and inward-looking. She is clad in richly textured period dress, including a veil and ornate headdress, the surface animated with deeply worked lace-like relief, folds of drapery, and subtle contrasts between matte and polished passages. The artist demonstrates exceptional command of form and narrative: the gentle inclination of the head, the naturalistic rendering of the hands, and the rhythmic flow of the drapery convey both grace and quiet intellectual absorption. The bronze surface exhibits a warm, nuanced patina, enhancing the sculptural depth and highlighting the meticulous detailing throughout. Signed “Carrier-Belleuse” , mounted on a circular marble plinth. Height: 16 7/8 inches Specialist Note: Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was one of the most important and prolific French sculptors of the 19th century, celebrated for his technical mastery, expressive modeling, and his pivotal role in bridging academic classicism with emerging naturalism. A former artistic director at the Sèvres porcelain manufactory and mentor to Auguste Rodin, Carrier-Belleuse exerted enormous influence on the evolution of modern sculpture. This sculpture exemplifies the qualities for which Carrier-Belleuse is most admired: refined surface modeling, romantic medieval subject matter, and a highly finished yet lively handling of bronze. The sensitive treatment of facial features, the anatomically assured hands, and the richly articulated costume place this work firmly within his mature production. The presence of the artist’s signature, the depth and clarity of the casting, and the complex, hand-worked surface details strongly support this sculpture as an original 19th-century bronze, rather than a later decorative reproduction. The quality of patination and the integrity of the modeling are consistent with period foundry practices associated with Carrier-Belleuse’s authenticated works. Comparable examples of medieval female figures by Carrier-Belleuse are held in major museum collections and appear in important 19th-century salon sculpture records, underscoring the significance and collectability of this subject.