George IV (1762-1830), by Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1841). Bronze on a granite pedestal, above a stone base. Trafalgar Square, London. [Click on these pictures and those below to enlarge them.]
Photograph, text, and formatting by George P. Landow. Quotation and bibliographical information below by Jacqueline Banerjee [You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]
Chantrey's dislike of ornamentation, and preference for marble, were both recorded in an early biography:
Chantrey cast aside every extrinsic recommendation, and depended entirely on form and effect. He took the greatest care that his shadows should tell boldly, and in masses. He was cautious in introducing them, and always reduced them as much as might be compatible with the complete development of the figure. He never introduced a fold that could be dispensed with, rarely deviated from long lines, and avoided abrupt foldings. His dislike to ornament in sculpture was extreme; in marble he thought it intolerable, and reluctantly admitted it in bronze, for it was long before he could consent to decorate the royal robe of George the Fourth, on the bronze statue at Brighton.... To sculpture in bronze he always objected, as limiting the power of the artist to outline, for the light must be very favourable to develop so dark an object, and in such a climate as that of Great Britain, nothing should be expected in bronze beyond a clear and expressive contour. (Jones 84-86)
Bibliography
Holland, John. Memorials of Sir Francis Chantrey, R.A., Sculptor, in Hallamshire and Elsewhere. London: Longman, 1851. Google Books (full view). Web 11 August 2011.
Jones, George, R.A. Sir Francis Chantrey, R.A. Recollections of His Life, Practice, and Opinions . London: E. Moxon, 1849. Internet Archive. Web 11 August 2011.
Last modified 5 February 2012