A carver works on the limestone lion for "The Lion and Mouse" with the plaster model in the background

A carver works on the limestone lion for "The Lion and Mouse" with the plaster model in the background

Animal sculpture--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.

Hartwick, Maurice C.

Marshall M. Fredericks Papers
Series V, Box 15 Folder 35

n.d.

Use of this image requires permission from the creator.

V-15-35

image/jpeg

Image

9032

Black and white print

8" x 10"