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Equestrian Statue of Elizabeth II

The equestrian statue of Elizabeth II is a monument created in 1992 by sculptor Jack Harman. It depicts Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada and the United Kingdom, among other Commonwealth realms, and is located in Ottawa, Canada. The over-life-size bronze sculpture was made by a team of ten people over a two-year period. It stands on a roughly 3.7-metre-high, rough-hewn granite base, with the name “Elizabeth II” in large letters. The Queen is shown seated in a riding saddle, wearing boots, stirrups, a riding jacket, and a wide coat. The horse, Centennial, walks at a gentle pace.

Elizabeth II equestrian statue on a stone pedestal with green foliage and blue sky behind it
The Elizabeth II equestrian statue stands on a stone pedestal against a backdrop of trees and sky.
August 2006 © · Public domain
Elizabeth II Equestrian Statue on a stone pedestal with trees and a blue sky behind it
The Elizabeth II Equestrian Statue rises above a stone pedestal on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
May 2007 © · CC BY 2.0
Elizabeth II equestrian statue silhouetted against a clear blue sky, framed by green trees.
The Elizabeth II equestrian statue in Ottawa, shown against a clear blue sky and framed by trees.
September 2016 © Jeangagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0
Elizabeth II equestrian statue showing a dark bronze monarch on horseback against a pale blue sky.
The Elizabeth II equestrian statue depicts the monarch on horseback beneath a clear sky.
January 2010 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Low-angle view of the Elizabeth II equestrian statue showing a cloaked rider on a saddled horse against the sky.
The Elizabeth II equestrian statue seen from below against a bright overcast sky.
December 2007 © · Public domain

Identification

Titleequestrian statue of Elizabeth II
Typemonument; equestrian statue
SubjectElizabeth II, Queen of Canada
Original titleReiterstandbild Elisabeth II.

Creator

SculptorJack Harman

Discovery and provenance

Production durationTwo years
Horse provenanceA gift to Elizabeth II from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on the occasion of its centenary
Year created1992
MakerA team of ten people led by Jack Harman

Location and ownership

Original locationParliament Hill, Ottawa
Temporary locationIn front of the main gate of Rideau Hall
Relocation date2019
Relocation reasonReorganization of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill
LocationParliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

Physical characteristics

Inscription on baseElizabeth II
ScaleLarger than life-size
Base heightAbout 3.7 meters

Materials

MaterialBronze
Base materialRough-hewn granite

Appearance

PoseSeated in a riding saddle on the horse
ClothingRiding boots, riding jacket, and a loose coat fastened only at the neck
Coat positionThe coat lies almost to the horse’s tail base on its back
ReinsHeld with both hands
Horse gaitWalking at a gentle pace
Horse nameCentennial

History and restoration

Unveiled byElizabeth II herself
Unveiling date1 July 1992
Occasion for unveilingCelebrations for the 125th anniversary of Canada and the 40th anniversary of her reign
Posthumous tributeAfter Elizabeth II’s death on 8 September 2022, many flowers were laid at the statue in her honor

Significance

Status at unveilingAt the time of its unveiling, it was the first equestrian statue depicting the Queen
Later equestrian statuesWindsor Castle (2003) and Regina (2005)