Large marble relief panel by Henry Alfred Pegram

Henry Alfred Pegram (1862-1937), a renowned English sculptor is the master behind this wonderful marble relief panel.

Carved in a thick slab of bright white marble, the panel showcases two scantily clad figures. Both are holding their hands above their heads, the hand positioning suggesting they are swimming towards the surface of the water. The hair of the figures is portrayed as flowing around them, further emphasising the idea of water surrounding them. Flowing forms are beautifully carved by Pegram around the protagonists and superbly blend in with the rest of the composition. His exceptional skill enables the viewer to notice the intricacies of the composition, while simultaneously encouraging one to take the time to observe and wonder about the story portrayed.

The design of the composition is classical in style, however, the human forms and flowing shapes around them are reminiscent in look to features popular during the Art Deco period. It is possible the artist adapted his earlier compositions to fit with the contemporary fashion of Art Deco, popular in the early 20th century.

The panel is signed in the lower right ‘Henry Pegram Sct’ and is framed in a pared-down iron frame.

Henry Alfred Pegram was a supporter of the New Sculpture movement which aimed to break with the traditional academic style of the Victorian period, through a greater emphasis on naturalistic compositions and spiritual themes. In 1904, Pegram was elected Associate of the Royal Academy while in 1922 he became a Royal Academician. Throughout his long career, he exhibited at the Royal Academy numerous times. For example, in 1889 he showcased one of his most famous works ‘Ignis Fatuus’ (Tate, accession number N01756) which bears several stylistic similarities to the beautiful marble plaque in Mayfair Gallery’s collection.

The skilful material choice of white marble magnificently matches the delicate representation of human figures in the water, making this plaque a very desirable addition to a space.

Plaque: Height 102cm, width 70cm, depth 9cm
Frame: Height 109cm, width 89cm, depth 2cm