Lot 222: A LATE VICTORIAN BRONZE RELIEF ENTITLED 'IGNUS FATUUS'

A LATE VICTORIAN BRONZE RELIEF ENTITLED 'IGNUS FATUUS'
CIRCA 1900, AFTER HENRY ALFRED PEGRAM, R.A. (1862-1937)
21 in. (53.3 cm.) diameter

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium
All lots removed to off-site warehouse the day after the sale - 2 weeks free storage
The Latin title means 'foolish fire' and refers to the phosphorescent light sometimes seen hovering over marshy ground. It is foolhardy to follow it into the marshes and therefore 'Ignis Fatuus' is associated with foolish or deluded ventures. Pegram's relief shows a woman sitting on a throne who, like the broken bow, has been cast aside by the warrior who reaches up in pursuit of his vain desires, which are represented by the bat and insect-winged human heads above.