3-008-548 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: colossal plaster statue of Cromwell, by John Bell, 1862. The International Exhibition: colossal plaster statue of Cromwell, by John Bell, 1862. 'When sitting to Lely it is related that Cromwell said (we quote from memory), "How, Mr. Lely, you will be good enough to observe that there are a number of roughnesses, warts, pimples, and such like on my face; these you will all copy to the life, or - I shall not pay you one penny." Mr. Bell has made a very conscientious use of his materials, and we are glad that his fine colossal statue of one of the most extraordinary men in our own or any other history occupies so conspicuous a position in our great cosmical exhibition. The attitude of the statue is peculiarly suggestive. The gesture is that of almost defiant self-reliance, taking a standing, as it were, upon the sacred volume, and the trusty blade (the "sword of the Lord and of Gideon," as his followers would say), both of which he equally clasps to his bosom'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.