Berthold Schewitz studied sculpture at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan under Carl Milles, a Swedish sculptor known for his fountains. He accompanied Milles to Italy where Schewitz learned how to use water as a sculptural design element in his fountain pieces. This aspect, as well as his fondness for the animals and insects he played with as a little boy, is readily evident here in his whimsical Praying Mantis Fountain.
