Undine Rising From The Waters By Chauncey Bradley Ives

This sculpture is the work of American neoclassical sculptor Chauncey Bradley Ives in the 19th century. It depicts Undine, the goddess of water in myths and legends.

The image of Undine originated from La Celsus, a doctor, and alchemist in the Middle Ages. In his theory of alchemy, he classified several elements, and Undine refers to “water.” Element is also one of the four elemental spirits juxtaposed with “fire”, “wind” and “earth” in European mythology. People in the art fields such as later generations of literature and painting combined this image with the fairy of water in the myth and finally formed a clear image of the goddess of water.

Legend has it that Undine has no soul and can only obtain souls by marrying humans (Andersen’s “Daughter of the Sea” is inspired by this), but once her husband is unfaithful, she must kill him. This sculpture shows the moment when Undine is about to kill her husband. Dressed in white gauze, she rose from the water like a fountain, about to take her husband’s life, so she looked sad and determined.

The sculpture depicts the goddess’ veil on the skin after being soaked in water with amazing techniques. The texture of the soaked fabric, the highly realistic and natural folds of the dress, and the looming flesh under the fabric are all portrayed. It was perfect and amazing.