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Historia

Historia concerns the bronze equestrian statue of King George IV by Francis Leggatt Chantrey, now standing in Trafalgar Square, London. The sculpture shows the British monarch dressed in an ancient Roman-style outfit and riding bareback. Chantrey originally intended it for the top of Marble Arch at the entrance to Buckingham Palace, but the design changed and the statue was removed from that plan. Funded by George IV himself and cast in 1828, it was placed on an empty pedestal in Trafalgar Square in December 1843 after the king’s death in 1830. It was later given an inscription when the public did not know whom it depicted.

The Equestrian Statue of George IV silhouetted on its pedestal against a blue sky, with a church steeple nearby.
The Equestrian Statue of George IV in Trafalgar Square, seen against a clear blue sky with a church steeple in the background.
May 2006 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
Equestrian Statue of George IV on a stone pedestal with a bronze horse and rider, against a blue sky with birds nearby.
The Equestrian Statue of George IV stands on a stone pedestal beneath a bright blue sky.
December 2006 © · CC BY 2.0
Equestrian statue of George IV on horseback atop a stone pedestal, with a seagull perched on his head.
The Equestrian Statue of George IV in London, shown with a seagull perched on the figure’s head.
February 2013 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Equestrian statue of George IV on a stone pedestal, with a church steeple and clock tower behind it.
The Equestrian Statue of George IV stands in front of a church steeple and clock tower under a clear blue sky.
January 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Equestrian Statue of George IV on a pedestal at night, with a lit Christmas tree in the background.
The Equestrian Statue of George IV stands illuminated in Trafalgar Square beside a brightly lit Christmas tree.
December 2009 © · CC BY-SA 2.0

Identification

TitleEquestrian statue of George IV
SubjectGeorge IV of the United Kingdom
TypeOutdoor equestrian statue

Creator

SculptorSir Francis Leggatt Chantrey

Historical context

Redesign reasonTo reduce costs
Associated legacyGeorge IV's urban legacy in London
Hatwalk projectA Mayor of London-sponsored project in which 21 milliners created new hats for famous statues around London
Redesign effectChantrey's statue was removed from the design
Original setting architectJohn Nash
Redesign byEdward Blore
Pedestal contextThe pedestals had been installed three years earlier, and Charles Barry expected them to be filled with groups of statues
Original intended locationTop of Marble Arch at the entrance to Buckingham Palace
Inauguration date1843
Cast date1828
CommissioningCommissioned and funded by George IV himself, rather than by public subscription
Public recognition issueBy the late 19th century, the statue's subject was no longer widely recognized

Discovery and provenance

Relocation historyOriginally designed for Marble Arch but placed in Trafalgar Square after George IV's death

Location and ownership

Placement dateDecember 1843
First on pedestalIt was the first statue erected on one of the pedestals in Trafalgar Square
Placement statusIntended as a temporary placement, but it has remained there ever since
Display baseAn empty pedestal in Trafalgar Square
Current locationTrafalgar Square, London

History and restoration

UnveilingUnveiled with little ceremony
Contemporary descriptionThe Times described it as 'erected somewhat suddenly'
InscriptionAn inscription was added at the end of the 19th century because the public no longer recognized the subject
2005 criticismIn 2005, journalist Janice Turner questioned the need for the statue in Trafalgar Square
2005 defenseLord Baker of Dorking argued that George IV still deserved the statue because of his urban legacy in London
2012 interventionIn 2012, milliner Stephen Jones created crowns for George IV and his horse as part of the Hatwalk project

Physical characteristics

MaterialBronze

Appearance

Depicted poseRiding bareback
Depicted attireAncient Roman attire