Plaster model for "The Lion and Mouse" with gilt bronze mouse and plaster model for "Portrait of Michael Emmet Taylor" in the background at the Allied Florists Association exhibit at Cobo Hall

Plaster model for "The Lion and Mouse" with gilt bronze mouse and plaster model for "Portrait of Michael Emmet Taylor" in the background at the Allied Florists Association exhibit at Cobo Hall

Animal sculpture--20th century.
Bronze sculpture, American--20th century.
Figure sculpture, American--20th century.
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998

Animal sculpture--20th century.
Bronze sculpture, American--20th century.
Limestone sculpture
Fredericks, Marshall M., 1908-1998
This sculpture illustrates the well known Aesop Fable of “The Lion and the Mouse.” Fredericks’ rendition depicts the end of the story in which the tiny mouse returns the king of the jungle’s kindness by saving him from a hunter’s trap.

The J. L. Hudson Company commissioned this sculpture for Eastland Center in Harper Woods, Michigan. Like many of Fredericks’ sculptures, he designed it specifically for children.

Both animals possess humanized friendly facial expressions. The lion is reclining in a human-like position with crossed legs and his stylized round head and mane feature uniformly coiled ringlets. These artistic intentions make the “king of the jungle” appealing to all.

The Vice President of General Motors, Chevrolet division commissioned Fredericks to do this full-length portrait of his grandson, Michael Emmet Taylor. When brought to Fredericks’ studio for his portrait sitting, young Michael held a small ball in his hand. The youngster kept playing with the ball so Fredericks included it in the portrait.

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 15 Folder 36

1961

Use of this image requires permission from the Marshall M. Fredericks Archives.

V-15-36

image/jpeg

eng

Image

Detroit (Mich.)

Color print

8" x 10"