Joseph Durham

This endearing sculpture represents a young girl cradling a long-haired dog in her lap. Barefoot, the child gazes at the animal with quiet affection, one finger lifted to her lips, as if bidding the dog to calm itself and inviting it to rest. Entitled 'Go to sleep', the model belongs to the Victorian tradition of idealised representations of childhood, in which innocence, tranquility, and love of animals convey a universal language. The dog here becomes a symbol of affection, fidelity, and the intimate bond between humans and animals.

The British sculptor Joseph Durham was a respected figure within Victorian sculpture. A pupil of the influential sculptor William Behnes, Durham later studied in Italy, where he was influenced by works from classical antiquity. Upon his return to England, he established his studio in London, where he worked until his death. Durham exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy between 1835 and 1878. He enjoyed considerable recognition during his lifetime, particularly for his marble portraiture and allegorical subjects. His oeuvre often combined technical finesse with a tender sentimentality.