The Age of Innocence

Alfred Drury, R.A., 1856-1944.

1897

Bronze with greeny-brown patina, on integral bronze base, with green marble plinth.

27 1/2 inches

Shepherd Gallery

The Age of Innocence is probably the best of Drury's many fine studies of children, such as Griselda and Saint Agnes. The marble version was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1897, and according to M. H. Spielmann, author of British Sculpture and Sculptors of Today (Studio Special Number 1901) 'still further heightened the public appreciation of Mr. Drury's talent. So widely was it appreciated that when the bust was "published" in a small size a very considerable number were bought up at once.' This refers to the smaller of the two editions; the present is one of the larger size versions, which are considerably rarer. Only a few can have been made; one version is in the Tate Gallery, London. [Shepherd Gallery catalogue].