3-043-874 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The National Memorial to the Prince Consort: "Europe," by the late Patrick Macdowell, R.A., 1872. Detail from the Albert Memorial in London. 'This group is composed of five seated female figures, the central figure specially typifying the continent itself, being placed on a bull, in allusion to the ancient mythological fable. She holds in the right hand a sceptre, in the left an orb, in reference to the influence which Europe exercised over the other continents. The figure representing England is seated on a rock, against which the waves are dashing, and her right hand holds a trident...France, as a military Power, is shown holding a sword in the one hand, and in the other a wreath of laurel. Italy is shown as awakening from a dream, in allusion to her recent union into one kingdom, the broken column on which she is seated referring to her former greatness, and the lyre and palette to her excellence in the arts of music and painting. It was a matter of some difficulty to decide what animal could be selected as most fit to form part of this group. The horse was suggested as being the animal most used in Europe; but, then, the horse has its origin in Arabia, and is now in use equally in all four continents'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.