Folly Possibly 1886

Curator: This bronze sculpture, titled "Folly," was created by Edward Onslow Ford. The date is uncertain. Editor: There’s a beautiful, almost melancholic grace to it. Her form is idealized, yet the texture of the bronze lends a certain groundedness. Curator: Ford was a prominent figure in the New Sculpture movement, which revived classical ideals but with a naturalistic approach and a focus on surface detail. Editor: The figure's downward gaze and the precariousness of her pose atop that rough-hewn base suggest a contemplation of consequence. Is she about to fall? Curator: The title "Folly" certainly implies a cautionary tale. It reflects the Victorian era's fascination with morality and the potential pitfalls of vanity. Editor: The contrast between the smooth, refined figure and the roughly textured base is striking. It's a clever way to use materiality to underscore the theme. Curator: It's interesting how Ford’s classicism is tempered with a contemporary sensibility. He captures a fleeting moment of introspection. Editor: It really makes you ponder the choices we make. A lovely piece— both aesthetically beautiful and thought-provoking.