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Description: | Large rustic terraced grotto with waterfall and major ornamental figure group consisting of a standing female figure (possibly Venus) at the top with both arms raised - one hand holds out her hair, the other is held infront of her body - flanked by two prancing horses with fins fanning outwards from their sides and webbed hooves. Positioned on the rocks below and either in or between several scallop shells, are 7 female nymphs in various poses - reclining, sitting, climbing or kneeling -, the 3 central ones with arms raised, reaching or stretching upwards towards Venus, the one directly below her originally offering her a pearl (now missing) in her fingers. The two pairs of nymphs to the far left and right of the arrangement form independent groups as well as being integrated into the total scheme. A wide pool set behind spiked railings separates the grotto and sculptures from the pathway. Additional Information: Mythological subject, possibly Birth of Venus, although exact identity of central figure unknown. Could also represent the Neiads (river nymphs), or Oceanides (sea nymphs) as well as the Pearl Fishers on account of the pearls held in several of the nymphs' hands | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Not known | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=7140... | Go to resource |
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