3-043-825 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Prince Consort National Memorial: "Commerce", by T. Thornycroft, 1872. Sculptures on the Albert Memorial. 'The four groups of marble statues, representing "Agriculture" and "Manufactures," "Commerce" and "Engineering," which occupy the four corners of the podium, or basement, of the Gothic shrine erected opposite the Royal Albert Hall at Kensington [in London], are not the least important feature of this gorgeous and sumptuous combination. [The Commerce] group is placed on the north-east angle of the podium. The dominant allegorical figure holds in her left hand a cornucopia, as alluding to the results of commercial enterprise; whilst with the right she encourages the young merchant, who bears balance scales, the emblems of barter, and also a purse and ledger. The figure seated on the ground in front brings corn, the great necessary of life; and the other figure, the Oriental merchant, holds a casket of jewels, in allusion to the objects of luxury imported from various countries by the agency of commerce'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.