This is one of the statues that comprise the Queen Victoria Memorial which stands outside Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria is surrounded by the figures of Charity, Truth and Justice. I'm not exactly sure which attribute this statue represents.
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You hooked me with your speculation on which attributes the statues represent.
ReplyDeleteI am going to make a risky venture and say none of them represent Charity, Truth, and Justice.
I assume the lion is the same in each: the British lion, pride and courage and what not.
The lady in this photo holds a scythe, which is emblematic of either (1) agriculture or, (2) the grim reaper.
The man holds a sledgehammer - not a well known symbol for charity, justice, nor truth - and some other object. He is wearing what appears to be a leathern apron, so he may be a ferrier or blacksmith.
Since the Victorians did not take to radically new symbols, I think these 2 statues may have been intended to represent Agriculture and Industry.
(There is another perspective of the lady, and she seems to have some sheaves of wheat laid on the lion's back.)
Don't know what the thrid statue is, but Industry and Agriculture cover a wide territory. Given the Victorians' interests, I'd guess that the third statue had something to do with either Science or Religion.
Thanks for the puzzle.
I'm glad I intrigued you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input, I too thought it more likely that the statues relate to the British Powers of Agriculture, Industry and Science.
I did some more research and wiki says this:
"It has a large statue of Queen Victoria facing north-eastwards towards The Mall. The other sides of the monument feature dark patinated bronze statues of the Angel of Justice (facing north-westwards toward Green Park), the Angel of Truth (facing south-eastwards) and Charity facing Buckingham Palace."
This information may relate to some other statues at the site, or the statues between the ones I posted pickies of.
Thanks for your input, it's good to have interested you so much as to make speculation and comment - keep them coming