AFTER THEODORE KALIDE (1801-1863) A LEAD FOUNTAIN GROUP OF A BOY AND A SWAN

Note: Erdmann Theodor Kalide (1801-1863) was a German sculptor who studied under Johann Gottfried Schadow and Christian Daniel Rauch. This work was one of the first produced independently by Kalide and it was commissioned by Frederick William III, King of Prussia. It was originally exhibited at the Berlin Academy in 1834 and then the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace. An edition was acquired by Queen Victoria and can now be seen in the Italian garden of Osborne House, Isle of Wight. The model was produced first by Mortiz Geiss (1805-1875) zinc works and later by Crowthers in the early 20th century. A detailed account of the casting in lead of this group in Crowthers factory can be found in John Davis's seminal book 'Antique Garden Ornament', published in 1991.