John Henry Foley
, Irish, 1818-1874
Title
Winter, or the Houseless WandererDatec.1858
MediumMarble
Dimensions
126.5 x 38 x 36.5 cm
Signedon base, J.H. FOLEY, R.A.Sc
Credit LinePurchased, 1990
Object numberNGI.8342
Label TextFoley’s rather androgynous, youthful figure was derived from the antique personification of Winter as an old man. The deep undercutting of the hair and cloak, typical of Foley’s work, enhance the realism of the sculpture. Commissioned by Jonathan Nield of Rochdale, this is a pendant to another piece by Foley entitled Summer. An earlier, similar work by Jean-Antoine Houdon, also entitled Winter (1783) and featuring a youthful nude, is in the Musée Fabre in Montpellier.