Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (American 1880-1980) "Crest of the Wave," 1925, bronze with greenish brown patination, signed Harriet W. Frishmuth © 1925, stamped Gorham Co. Founders, QFHL, raised on black marble base.
Dimensions: 21 in.h.
Condition: Dust accumulations, wear to patination from handling, some oxidation to patina, some verdigris.
One of the Frishmuth's most popular sculptures, this model was originally cast as a 66 inch tall fountain, conceived at the commissioning client's request that ..." the body of the woman was played upon by water at all times when the fountain was in use." The fish at the base of the sculpture were constructed to sprout jets of water in the full size fountain. The 21 inch size cast was created due to the immense popularity of the sculpture. It is reported that 300 were cast by Gorham in this size and offered in 1928 through their catalog "Famous Small Bronzes." The casts were also sold through Grand Central Art Galleries in New York.