2-982-403 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Statue of Sir Isaac Newton, inaugurated last week at Grantham, 1858. 'The statue of the great mathematician and astronomer, from the hand of W. Theed, Esq., may be pronounced a masterpiece of portrait sculpture, and, admirably cast in light-coloured bronze by Messrs. Robinson and Cottam, is in every respect worthy of the subject and of the arts of the country. Mr. Theed in this work shows the fruit of a long study of the classic models at Rome...The figure, which is twelve feet high, is represented draped in the gown of a master of arts, and as in the act of lecturing to a class. He points with his right hand to a scroll which he holds in his left, upon which is traced the diagram of one of his celebrated problems in the "Principia," that, we believe, upon gravitation. The attitude is full of dignity and intelligence; and the drapery, falling in broad masses, broken sharp folds, is free from heaviness, and with sufficient accuracy indicates the material - silk - supposed to be represented. The likeness appears to be a good one...In modelling the face the sculptor was assisted by the well-known mask taken after death...About two tons of bronze have been employed in it, one half of which was presented in the shape of old cannon by her Majesty'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.