Helen Ionides

This bust is by Aime-Jules Dalou (1838-1902). The little girl depicted is Helen Ionides (1871-1967). Her father bought a statue from Dalou who was so happy he asked the Ionides family if there was anything he could do in return. Mrs Ionides didn't hesitate. This was the result.

While I love the naturalness and innocence of it, I much prefer another piece he created. It's in the Luxembourg Gardens, Paris and it's called Le Triomphe de Silène. Now THAT'S my kind of statue.

Of course, it's in the V&A which, I have to say, was the most crowded I've ever seen it.