Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824 Anizy-le-Château - 1887 Sèvres) Large allegorical group of figures with a young couple and cupids Terracotta. Incised double "L" mark. Extraordinary, fully sculpted, multi-figured, scenic depiction: the young couple running towards each other as if in a snapshot, each standing on only one foot, opposite them eight frolicking cupids, two of whom are holding a bowl towards the couple. Carrier-Belleuse was one of the best and most important French sculptors in the second half of the 19th century and also influenced Auguste Rodin. From the 1850s onwards, he produced marble works, bronze sculptures and terracotta busts that combined flirtatious elegance with a completely naturalistic, painterly approach. In 1864, he became friends with the young sculptor Auguste Rodin, who became his pupil and collaborator. After the armistice in 1871, Carrier-Belleuse went to Brussels with Rodin to accept public commissions with his co-operation and assistance. After a dispute with Rodin, who favoured greater independence, he returned to Paris. From 1875 to 1887, he was artistic director and head of the studio at the Manufacture royale de porcelaine de Sèvres. Rodin, who returned from Brussels in 1877, continued to work for Carrier-Belleuse until 1882 and also created works signed by Carrier-Belleuse. Minimally restored; h. 44 cm; w. 50 cm. Provenance: Dissolution of an important German private collection - part II. Large terracotta group. Double "L" mark. Minor restorations.