Antique 19thC French Naturalism Terracotta Sculpture "La Source" Putti Sculpture by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse,1864 Mid-Century Modern The trunk of the case

The trunk of the case with carved 'ropetwist' pilasters

with the Roman god Mercury standing aloft

during his travels in Italy around 1636

The cabinet has a single long drawer with an inset brass lock escutcheon above a fall front writing surface

a ruler and pair of compasses all intertwined with carved edelweiss

Antique 19thC French Naturalism Terracotta Sculpture "La Source" Putti Sculpture by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse,1864 Mid-Century Modern The trunk of the caseAn original and authentic terracotta figurative group sculpture, by Albert Carrier Belluse (1824 1887), titled "La Source", 1864. The sculpture depicts two putto or cherubs wearing laurel wreaths in their hair and engaged playfully around a small rustic water barrel. One putto with his finger to his lips making a "shush" gesture, the other putto leans forward with his hand reaching in to the flowing water from the barrel. The figures are seated on a