2-979-584 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Marble Group in the Prince's Chamber, House of Lords - Her Majesty Queen Victoria, supported by Justice and Clemency, John Gibson R.A., sculptor, 1857. 'The figures are colossal; that of her Majesty being eight feet high, and those of the attendant ones above seven...[The subject is] Queen Victoria, sitting upon her throne, holding her sceptre and a laurel crown; that is, governing and rewarding: the laurel crown may be considered an emblem of the honour conferred upon intellect and valour...On the right of the Sovereign stands Justice: on the left, Clemency. The former holds the sword and. balance; round her neck is suspended the image of Truth. The expression of Justice is inflexible, while that of Clemency is full of sympathy and sadness - sad for the constant sins which come to her knowledge; but, with lenity, she keeps her sword sheathed, and offers the olive branch, the sign of peace'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.