Two pieces of statuary in the grounds of Ballyfin, County Laois. To the rear of the main block and flanked by obelisks, the figure of a river god reclines in a basin. The cascade behind him concludes in a Doric temple. Meanwhile in front of the house a pair of crouching sphinxes observe the arrival and departure of guests.
For more about Ballyfin, see The Fair Place, July 21st 2014.
Is Poseidon visible from the temple, or just his head? As a composition, and at the termination of a tumbling cascade, surely he needs to be raised. And perhaps of a greater scale.
Thank you for your query. The figure in the basin is not really visible from the temple – which is as well since at just beyond the basin is the rear of the house and a piece of sculpture peeking up here would interrupt the prospect. I understand your concern about scale but actually he fits quite snugly where he is; perhaps you will yet have an opportunity to see for yourself…
I don’t think it is Poseidon but the classical personification of a river.
Thank you for your comment. Of course you are right, it is most likely a river god and I have changed the text accordingly…