Bob Bassler’s cast stone fountain sculpture, “Seclusion,” aka “The Bard Nymph,” in the Blithewood Garden site for which it was intended as a major component of his Senior Project in the spring of 1957.

Creator

Bob Bassler

Preview

Creation Date

1957

Description

This photograph of a sculpture entitled "Seclusion" was taken by the artist, Robert Bassler, class of 1957, shortly after her installation in the fountain at Blithewood garden. The sculpture was created as part of his senior project, and at the time replaced an earlier floral fountain that had fallen into disrepair. "Seclusion" was removed from Blithewood during its restoration in the early 1990s. The sculpture occupied the site for thirty years. She was subsequently reproduced and positioned in the Meditation garden near the Chapel as a cast bronze memorial. While not as visible in this location, she commemorates the life of Anna Margaret Jones, a former student who died while at Bard. The original sculpture was restored and returned to Mr. Bassler in California where she once again presides over a garden fountain.