The relief depicts a naked couple embracing with an audience of disapproving elders in the background. This work is the companion piece to the cast iron Melchett fire basket which was acquired by the V&A with Art Fund help in 2005. Both were commissioned by Henry Mond, later the second Lord Melchett, as a part of a decorative remodelling for the drawing room in Mulberry House, Smith Square, Westminster. Jagger arranged the figures of the lovers in a dynamic zigzag composition, flattened against the composition in a playful reference to an Assyrian relief.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Scandal, 1930
Date supported
2007
Medium and material
Bronze
Dimensions
161.4 x 149 cm
Grant
30813
Total cost
84842
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