The recumbent figure is thought to represent Endymion, a beautiful youth in Greek mythology who spent much of his time asleep.
It is associated with a group of ten other terracotta figures (EWA08619).
These have been attributed to Joseph Nollekens (1737-1823), who is generally considered to be the finest British sculptor of the late 18th Century.
He studied first of all in England and then in Rome where he worked as an antiques dealer, restorer and copier of antique sculptures.
On his return to England in 1770, he became famous for his portrait busts and enjoyed the patronage of King George III, amongst others.
