The Fisherboy

As a profoundly gifted artist, Gemito modelled the Fisherboy at the precocious age of twenty. It is one of two casts and was presented in 1878 for exhibition in Paris. The pronounced naturalism, tense muscles and contented gaze of the boy capture Gemito’s singular skill at enlivening his creations. Glancing at his catch while crouching, the boy’s wet hair indicates his recent emergence from the water as his net remains afixed around his waist. Gemito succesfully comingles innocence and pleasure in this uniquely satisfying work.