Walter Winans

silvered and gilt bronze, and ivory, on a veined light green marble base

signed and dated: Walter Winans 1905; with impressed seal: Crystal Palace Exhibition 1893 Awarded to Walter Winans



27½in.; 70cm.



See catalogue note at SOTHEBYS.COM

London, Royal Academy, 'The Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts, The One Hundred and Forty-First', 3 May - 2 August 1909

Walter Winans spent his early years living and working in America, later moving to the United Kingdom where he exhibited The Mermaid at the Royal Academy in 1909. The present sculpture showcases his skill of combining ivory, marble and bronze beautifully within a single work. The ivory figure of the mermaid is sensitively carved, creating the appearance of a supple, milky complexion. It has been suggested that Winans may have been inspired by the famous Mermaid poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson written in 1830.