Rare American Bronze Sculpture “Turtle Baby” (1919) by Edith Barretto Parsons, Gorham

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Description

EDITH BARETTO PARSONS
United States, 1878-1956

"Turtle Baby" (1919) - Designed as a Fountain

Patinated bronze | signed to edge … Read more EDITH BARETTO PARSONS
United States, 1878-1956

"Turtle Baby" (1919) - Designed as a Fountain

Patinated bronze | signed to edge "E.B. PARSONS COPYRIGHT 1919" | cold-stamped to edge "GORHAM CO FOUNDERS OBDU"

Item # 412KPU01R

A moment of sheer joy is captured in the face of this baby girl whom Parsons' models having captured two small turtles by their tails. The elation of discovery, curiosity and a new adventure is encapsulated in a series of outdoor sculptures Parsons' produced in the early 20th century. This model is designed as a fountain with the fittings for a pipe in the underside driving water through the mouths of the four turtles surrounding the base. Other iterations of this model have the baby girl standing on an orb, situated on a hexagonal base and sometimes with turtles raising the sphere she stands on. This version is quite rare and a very fine presentation.

An exceedingly rare model, particularly in the flat base without the orb, this has been available on the secondary market only a handful of times. For a nearly identical example, see Soulis Auctions, June 21 of 2019, lot 4 (achieved $ 12,980 inc. premium). This cast was formerly with Jackson Auctioneers International, where it was acquired on June 23, 2019 as lot 5 (achieved $ 12,300 inc. premium).


Measurements: 17 1/4" H x 5 1/2" base diameter

Condition Report:
A chaotic and naturally variated patination that has been carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator's grade wax. Light rubbing wear and other discolorations to the patina. Fountain elements are untested but appear to be complete and without perforations. A very fine presentation. See less