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Carrier-Belleuse received early training as a goldsmith’s apprentice. He was a student of David d’Angers, and briefly studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Between 1850 and 1855, he worked at Mintons, and worked in Brussels around 1871. Auguste Rodin was his assistant between 1864 and 1870. Carrier-Belleuse enjoyed state patronage for monuments such as Messiah in 1867, and was a major force behind the establishment of what was to become the Museum of Decorative Arts. In recognition of this, he was named an officer of the Legion of Honour in 1855.

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By all accounts, Michael Hall, actor, collector and art dealer, was a memorable character who led a truly remarkable life. Michael delighted in being outrageous - frequently the life of the party, always with an entertaining repertory of anecdotes and jokes. Michael was also a very serious collector with an inquisitive nature, extremely passionate and opinionated concerning his chosen field of Renaissance and Baroque Works of Art, and was always willing to share his vast knowledge.

 

Michael was mentored by Wilhelm Valentiner, a specialist in Italian Renaissance Art and then a consultant to what would become the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Through Valentiner, Hall was introduced to Sir John Pope-Hennessy and Sir Kenneth Clark, and formed friendships with a number of authorities including Rudolf Wittkower, H.W. Janson and Francis Watson.  

 

In 1963, Hall moved to New York, and with William Mills, opened a gallery at 6 East 79th Street. His clients grew to include among others, Charles and Jayne Wrightsman, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Art, Boston, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Detroit Institute of Art.

 

In later years, Michael and his husband, Thomas divided time between their Florida, New York and Connecticut residences, but never stopped enjoying and collecting decorative arts. Those who knew Michael would agree his passion for collecting knew no bounds.