Frog Fountain

Janet Scudder

1901; cast 1906 · Bronze · The American Wing

Scudder is best known for her ornamental garden sculptures, sought by wealthy Americans for the landscaped grounds of their lavish houses. She modeled" Frog Fountain" in Paris and brought it to New York in hopes of attracting commissions. Her plan met with success when the architect Stanford White (1853–1906) purchased a cast for his Saint James, Long Island, estate. He recommended her to his clients, initiating a productive working relationship that lasted until White’s death. "Frog Fountain" reflects the influence of Renaissance sculptures Scudder had studied in Italy as well as the works of her mentor, Frederick William MacMonnies—such as his ebullient "Boy and Duck" (22.61).

Artist

Janet Scudder

Date

1901; cast 1906

Medium

Bronze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1906