Rococo Fountain with Lovers and the Four Elements

Johann Esaias Nilson

Associated Names
Johann Esaias Nilson

Artist, German, 1721 - 1788

The sculpture depicts a decorative fountain with multiple figures and ornate details. At the top of the fountain, a figure stands with outstretched arms, likely a cherub or playful child, crowning the structure. Below, a woman is seated in a relaxed pose against a backdrop of foliage, intricately carved into the recess of the fountain. On either side, two cherub-like figures are engaged in activities; one is holding a stick, and the other is playing with an object. The fountain's basin has a central spout resembling a masked face that seemingly pours water, while below this, there's a relief of a woman's face with flowing hair. The fountain is depicted in shades of gray and black, indicative of a stone or plaster material, and is elaborately detailed with intricate carvings and floral motifs.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with gray wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 23.2 x 15.4 cm (9 1/8 x 6 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1990.135.1


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1935

  • Schuster, Marianne, J.E.Nilson, Munich, 1935, no. 73.4.

1990

  • Arnoldie-Livie, cat. 15, 1990, no.42.

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: Joh. E Nilson

Wikidata ID

Q64581947

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