Kneeling figure on the back of a mermaid thumbnail 1
Not on display

Kneeling figure on the back of a mermaid

Group
ca. 1892 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This model made by Sir Alfred Gilbert in ca. 1892, depicts a naked figure of a man kneeling on the back of a mermaid whose tail curves over his head. It's circular plaster base is decorated with waves rising over the heads of four sea nymphs. It has been suggested that the group is to be connected with two figures forming part of the decoration of the St Michael on the tomb of the Duke of Clarence. What appears to be the present piece is shown on a photograph taken in 1935 of the interior of Alfred Gilbert's studio in Kensington Palace.

Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) was a famous British sculptor of the late 19th century. He was also medallist, goldsmith and draughtsman. He was known for his inventiveness and characteristically used many different materials in the same work. He epitomised the movement known as the “New Sculpture”, with a new focus on naturalistic forms. His many commissions included for example the celebrated figure of Eros, part of the Shaftsbury memorial.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleKneeling figure on the back of a mermaid (named collection)
Materials and techniques
Plaster, wax, plasticine
Brief description
Group, model, plasticine and wax, of a figure kneeling on the back of a mermaid, by Sir Alfred Gilbert, English, ca. 1892
Physical description
Model, wax, plaster and sheet lead. A naked figure of a man kneeling on the back of a mermaid whose tail curves over his head. On a circular plaster base decorated with waves which rise over the heads of four sea nymphs.
Dimensions
  • Height: 23.5cm
Credit line
Presented by Art Fund and Mr. Sigismund Goetze
Object history
In the studio of the artist at the time of his death. Given by Mr Sigismund Goetze and the National Art-Collections Fund with A.88-90 and 92-99-1936.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This model made by Sir Alfred Gilbert in ca. 1892, depicts a naked figure of a man kneeling on the back of a mermaid whose tail curves over his head. It's circular plaster base is decorated with waves rising over the heads of four sea nymphs. It has been suggested that the group is to be connected with two figures forming part of the decoration of the St Michael on the tomb of the Duke of Clarence. What appears to be the present piece is shown on a photograph taken in 1935 of the interior of Alfred Gilbert's studio in Kensington Palace.

Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) was a famous British sculptor of the late 19th century. He was also medallist, goldsmith and draughtsman. He was known for his inventiveness and characteristically used many different materials in the same work. He epitomised the movement known as the “New Sculpture”, with a new focus on naturalistic forms. His many commissions included for example the celebrated figure of Eros, part of the Shaftsbury memorial.
Bibliographic references
  • Bilbey, Diane with Trusted, Marjorie. British Sculpture 1470 to 2000. A Concise Catalogue of the Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: V& A Publications, 2002, p. 280, cat. no. 428
  • Cox, Machell E., Commemorative Catalogue of an exhibition of models and designs by the late Sir Alfred Gilbert R.A., Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Oxford, 1936. p.25
  • Bury, Adrian, The Shadow of Eros, London, 1954, p. 70
Collection
Accession number
A.91-1936

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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