The Nymph Ino and the Infant Bacchus
R. J. Wyatt (1795-1850)
c.1834-6
White marble on a simulated grey granite pedestal
Courtesy of Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
[Detail]
There are several versions of this group, but the original one, which this is thought to be, was commissioned by Sir Robert Peel in 1834. Wyatt is particularly known for his female figures, all displaying an "introspective and chaste calm off expression" and representing a kind of "ideal beauty" (Robinson 172). This is considered to be one of his very best such works. As the same critic says in his ODNB revision, "He was a sculptor of great sensitivity. His neo-classical taste, though softened” by an interest in poetic and naturalistic subjects, never degenerated into sentimental naturalism" (Robinson). This comment seems to apply perfectly to The Nymph Ino and the Infant Bacchus, in which tenderness does not prevent Ino from keeping a firm grip on her little nephew/foster-child.
Photographs, commentary and formatting by Jacqueline Banerjee.