Monumental patinated bronze dual-tailed merman fountain sculpture, Italian School, likely 17th/18th century. The seated merman gazes down at an open mouthed fish in his hands, each of his tails outstretched below him. Exquisite patination throughout. The sculpture was fitted and piped for water delivery as part of a fountain at one point in time. 51 x 41.5 x 27 inches. Provenance: Francis J. Nowalk collection. These sculptures were at one time part of the Grandview Estate on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was the residence of Lawrence C. Phipps, Esq. The house was designed by J. Edward Keirn. This bronze sculpture was one of four that made up a grand fountain on the grounds. On page 166 of the January-December 1903 issue of The Architectural Record, which was a monthly magazine of architecture and the allied arts and crafts, a caption under the a photo of Grandview with the fountain in view states "View from the north, showing ornamental stone approaches to the plaza in front of the house; this as well as the residence itself is in the Italian Renaissance Architecture of the Florentine period; marble lions grace the main entrance from lawn, where, in the center, is a magnificent old Italian bronze and marble fountain". The fountain can also be seen on page 169 in the same issue.

Areas of restoration and corrosion throughout, which is consistent with a piece of this age. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .