John Charles Felix Rossi and probably by Edward Hodges Baily, Central Portico Sculptures
Central Portico Sculptures
The dominant sculptural ornament of the National Gallery’s central portico is a relief over its entrance, representing Europe and Asia. The continents are personified by two women, one of whom sits on a horse, the other on a camel. They are flanked by a pair of winged female draped figures, standing in niches either side of the entrance. None of these sculptures were originally intended for this setting.
The central sculpture was designed by John Nash in 1827, and carved by Charles Rossi. It was supposed to adorn London’s ceremonial entranceway, the Marble Arch, but was never put up when the arch was reduced in scale and ambition to save money. When it was discovered that the government was not willing to pay for elaborate external decorations on William Wilkins’ new National Gallery, it was decided to rehouse Europe and Asia on Trafalgar Square. The two female figures, sculpted by another British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily, were also originally designed by Nash for the Marble Arch.
The relief above the Portico Entrance was originally intended for Marble Arch, designed by John Nash in 1827 as a ceremonial entranceway. After the death of John Flaxman, who had been chosen to provide the commemorative sculpture, the work was divided between Charles Rossi, Edward Hodges Baily an...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This Victory is the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily, as are its pair and another six female figures, which all adorn the façade of the National Gallery.In 1826, Baily received a large order for sculpture, including four statues of ‘Victories’, for Marble Arch, which...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This Victory is the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily, as are its pair and another six female figures, which all adorn the façade of the National Gallery.In 1826, Baily received a large order for sculpture, including four statues of ‘Victories’, for Marble Arch, which...
More paintings by John Charles Felix Rossi
This bust of the Duke of Wellington, Britain’s most successful general during the Napoleonic Wars, was intended to adorn the top of John Nash’s Marble Arch, where it would have been placed inside a wreath supported by personifications of Europe and Asia. Nash’s project was reduced as it ran into...
Not on display
More paintings by Edward Hodges Baily
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Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
The National Gallery’s Getty Entrance is surmounted with a figure of Victory, framed by another full-length, draped female figure in each of the niches to left and right. This pair of flanking winged figures carry attributes to identify who they are: both clasping a palette and paintbrushes, they...
Not on display
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This female figure, along with its pair, accompanies a figure of Victory on the façade above the National Gallery’s West Entrance. They, and five related sculptures depicting female figures, are the work of the British neoclassical sculptor Edward Hodges Baily. This pair of women do not carry any...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This female figure, along with its pair, accompanies a figure of Victory on the façade above the National Gallery’s West Entrance. They, and five related sculptures of female figures, are the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily. This pair of women do not carry any attri...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This winged Victory, along with its pair, accompanies another figure of Victory on the façade above the National Gallery’s Getty Entrance. They, and five similar figures, are the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily. Both the winged figures clasp a palette and paintbrush...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This winged Victory, along with its pair, accompanies another figure of Victory on the façade above the National Gallery’s Getty Entrance. They, and five similar figures, are the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily. Both the winged figures clasp a palette and paintbrush...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This Victory, along with the female figures to its left and right, is the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily. Together with another five similar figures, they adorn the façade of the National Gallery.In 1826, Baily received a large order for sculpture, including four s...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
This Victory, along with the winged Victories to its left and right, is the work of the British neoclassical sculptor, Edward Hodges Baily. Together with another five female figures, they adorn the façade of the National Gallery.In 1826, Baily received a large order for sculpture, including four...
Probably by Edward Hodges Baily
The National Gallery’s West Entrance is surmounted with a figure of Victory, framed by another full-length, draped female figure in each of the niches to left and right. As this pair of flanking figures do not carry any attributes, it is hard to identify who they represent. All three statues are...
Not on display
John Flaxman, finished and later altered by Edward Hodges Baily
At the eastern end of the Gallery, overlooking the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, is a statue of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom.It was originally designed by the British neoclassical sculptor, John Flaxman, as a seated figure of Britannia, brandishing a spear and shield, to appear on Marble A...
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