Edith Barretto Parsons (American, 1878-1956) bronze sculpture titled ‘Joy” depicting a nude woman laughing and playfully holding a young child, also nude, in her outstretched arms; both are standing on a rocky base. Signed on base E. B. Parsons. 17″H x 4″W x 8″D. Biography (courtesy Askart, The Artists Blue Book): Born in Halifax, Virginia, Edith Parsons studied at the Art Students League in New York with John Twachtman, Daniel Chester French, and George Bernard. Her specialty was memorial fountains including ones in John Galloway Public Park in Memphis, Tennessee, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Summit, New Jersey. She also did several portrait busts and animal figures. From 1908 to 1933, she exhibited regularly at the National Academy of Design. Provenance: The living estate of Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Caldwell, Nashville, TN. CONDITION: Verdigris patina, likely from previous outdoor exposure; 3 small white spots indicating possible corrosion, one on the child’s nose, and two on the side of the base (up to 1/4″) .