Lot 250: Janet Scudder (American, 1869-1940)

"The Little Lady of the Sea". Cast bronze fountain sculpture, ca. 1912, Alexi Rudier Fondeur, Paris, inscribed by atelier and artist on base. Nude holding seaweed above her head, exiting a small grotto. Commissioned for Harold McCormick's famous Lake Forest estate "Villa Turicum". One of probably four made; one was known to be in California. This fountain was exhibited in New York at Scudder's first solo show at Starr Galleries, and was subsequently sold. Also exhibited in the Salon d'Automne, Paris. During her time in New York, Scudder attracted commissions from wealthy Americans constructing lavish homes and gardens. After considerable persistence, she prevailed on the architect Stanford White to recommend her garden sculptures to his clients. "