Ellen, the Swedish girl who modelled for this sculpture was not just a beautiful person in every way but an accomplished dress designer and seamstress. In fact, she designed and wore the dress which was cast in bronze as part of this sculpture.
Paddy spent more than a year making the original piece in wax at his studio in Via Luna, Florence. During that time he shared many stories about Sweden where he had also lived for a year, and Florence where she had spent seven years.
As one might imagine, as an exotic Scandinavian, Ellen was very popular with the local boys, and had many suitors.
Shortly after Paddy had finished this sculpture he learned that Ellen had left Florence to start a new career in fashion in New York. Could it be, he wondered, that she had found it difficult with so many options to make a romantic choice?
Then Paddy saw this bunch of rusty keys in Mercato Sant’Ambrogio in Florence, and thought of Ellen, trying to choose with her heart, but feeling at a loss. Hence, from that episode, the tile for the artwork; “Blue Lady”
To request info for this item please use the following form