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William Larson

Title

Equestrian Statuette of King James II (1633-1701)

Datec.1686

MediumBronze on marble base

Dimensions

64 x 40 x 22.5 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1902

Object numberNGI.8095

Exhibition HistoryArt Under Attack: Histories of British Iconoclasm, Tate Britain, London, 30 September 2013 - 5 January 2014
Label TextThis is the model for a life-size bronze sculpture (1686-88) erected in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The sculptor was based in London, his brother managed the family business in The Hague. Artist Jan Wyck provided the original design, with detail for the horse obtained from equine specialist, Nicholas Barker. The completed work was a technical triumph, the weight of the horse taken on only two feet, allowing it to rear in dramatic ‘levade’ pose. The model has fine detail on both the rider and horse, even stirrups. After James II’s brief reign, the King’s figure was thrown in the river and the horse melted down for church bell repairs.