The motif of a triton pulling a shell was one that Theed employed repeatedly, not only for full-scale sculpture but also for smaller objects such as salts for George’s great dining service, or in the architectural details at Buckingham Palace. Here he invokes a moment from Homer’s Iliad, showing Thetis, the mother of the Greek hero Achilles, in despair, knowing that her mortal son will soon die.

Purchased c.1829