Pensive Nymph
Ludwig von Schwanthaler
Munich, 1847
White marble
152,0 cm
Inv.-Nr. L 97/189
On permanent loan from the Freundeskreis des Bayerischen Nationalmuseums since 1997
Gallery 54
Commissioned by Alois, Count Arco-Stepperg, for Anif, his moated castle near Salzburg, Schwanthaler's 'Pensive Nymph' was carved between 1841 and 1848. The marble figure, stylistically a blend of classicizing and romantic elements, was set up there in a room of its own. Intended not so much as a representation of a particular mythical figure as she was of the poetic charm of the moated castle in its idyllic setting, the figure was supposed to put those who gazed upon it in a sentimental mood. The Munich version, made in 1847 for Count Fitzwilliam, is in all respects the equal of the statue in Anif.
des Bayerischen Nationalmuseum
des Bayerischen Nationalmuseum
