Historical information

Inspired by the opening lines of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s 1820 poem of the same title, The Cloud has grace of line that epitomises the model of classically informed beauty. Richardson’s figure successfully follows the serpentine line of Art Nouveau sculpture while also echoing the influence of British New Sculpture with its focused attention to bodily detail and surface articulation.
This bronze version of The Cloud was cast in 1987 from the original patinated plaster version from 1900 which is also in Bayside City Council's Collection. This work can be seen in the formal garden between the Brighton Town Hall and the Brighton Library.

Physical description

Bonze sculpture of a classical female figure looking downwards with a vessel in her hand. The sculpture sits on a rendered pedestal within a pond.