Known as a Triton, ca. 1715/20, designed and executed by Benjamin Thomae (1682 – 1751). A naturalistically carved sandstone figure in the form of a fabulous creature with fish tail, blowing on a shell horn. Height ca. 180 cm. Various chips and traces of weathering, also some losses and parts restored. (DOC)

According to Greek mythology Triton is the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. He is represented blowing on a shell and his lower body is of a fish tail. Since the time of the Renaissance Triton has been represented as a joyful sea creature especially at fountains and water features. The Tritons at the Zwinger (Dresden) and Schloss Moritzburg (near Dresden) have been attributed to Thomae.

As assistant to Balthasar Permoser (1651 – 1732), master of his profession and court sculptor to August the Strong, Benjamin Thomae, born in 1682 the son of a clergyman near Dresden. He was significantly involved in the decoration of the Dresden Zwinger as well as numerous other important projects in Saxony. Having trained as a cabinet maker, from 1700 he became assistant to Permoser (one of the most important and influential proponents of Italian Baroque sculpture and its introduction into Germany).
At the personal request of Permoser, August the Strong agreed to hiring Thomae to collaborate on the Zwinger in Dresden. In a letter it was stated that: he (the king) “could assure himself a good artist”.
Thomae had by this time already made figures for Augustus’ pleasure garden and was not unknown to the king. After Thomae had demonstrated his ability at Zwingerbau, he was named court sculptor in 1723. In the same year Johann Joachim Kändler, probably the most important modeller of the Meissen porcelain factory began his apprenticeship with Thomae. The high point of Thomae’s creative work was in the 1720s. He created the fixtures for the Schlosskirche and the parkland at Schloss Tiefenau.
During Thomae’s lifetime the castle came into the ownership of the Bohemian noble family von Pflugk. August Ferdinand, Count von Pflugh rendered outstanding services as Oberhofmarschall under August the Strong, and transformed the castle into one of the most important Baroque estates.
Thomae’s works bring together a decorative strain, a clarity of expression, a calm composure and an inner purity. Despite the long years of collaboration with Permoser the movement in Thomae’s works remain clear. The solidity and calm of his figures often stand in opposition to Permoser’s spiralling playfulness. Thomae emulated constantly the calm of the antique style, thereby anticipating something of the Neo-Classical period. Amongst other things, he was entrusted with the restoration of original antiquities in the King’s collection.
Thomae died on 8 March 1751.

Prov.: August Ferdinand Graf von Pflugk (1662 – 1712), Oberhofmarschall August the Great (Friedrich August I. of Saxony 1670 – 1733, from 1697 King August II. of Poland) a commissioned piece
formerly for Schloss Tiefenau, Lichtensee- Tiefenau (Kreis Riesa – Großenhain)
1945 Expropriation and demolition of the castle due to advancing dereliction
2007 Restitution to the heirs.

additional picture
Schloss Tiefenau,Lichtensee-Tiefenau