More compact and settled in posture in contrast to its companion piece, Mallard I presents the duck in a calmer, grounded stance. The body is fuller, the wings folded neatly into the form, creating a sculptural mass that feels resolved and complete. Waites has distilled the form of the mallard into smooth flowing sculptural lines, giving the bird a rounded softness. The gently folded wings, lowered stance and subtle turn of the head create a sense of composure, as though the bird has just waddled from the water’s edge and paused momentarily in observation. There is an appealing familiarity to the subject, evoking riversides, garden ponds and peaceful wetland landscapes deeply woven into the British countryside. The sculpture’s rich verdigris patination enhances this calm, watery atmosphere. Soft green and blue tones move delicately across the bronze surface, catching the light across the bird’s curved body and layered feathers. Waites’ modelling remains intentionally expressive rather than overworked, allowing the form and personality of the bird to emerge naturally through confident sculptural handling. Edward Waites is celebrated for his accomplished bronze wildlife sculptures, admired for balancing anatomical understanding with expressive movement and individuality. His work often focuses on capturing fleeting gestures and moments of character within the animal world, transforming familiar rural subjects into sculptures of timeless decorative elegance.