18th Century Neoclassical Wooden Merman Sculpture

An 18th century wooden merman sculpture dated to circa 1750.

Presented on a stepped base, a male figure kneels over a dolphin with two more either side. The bearded figure holds a large basin above his head which resembles a large flower.

The back is hollow and braced with a metal rod. The hollow nature of the sculpture with a flat back seems intentional and this may previously have been an architectural element.

Carved from pine and finished with possibly a gilt or gesso which is heavily worn.