Behold the George III Equestrian statue. This magnificent bronze sculpture stands proudly in London. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a testament to a king’s reign and a sculptor’s skill.
The George III Equestrian statue was created in 1836. Matthew Cotes Wyatt sculpted this remarkable piece. It’s significant because it was the first equestrian statue of a British monarch not based on the Marcus Aurelius model. Imagine the boldness of that decision. The statue depicts George III on his horse. The king holds his hat. His pigtail is neatly tied in a bow. Quite the stylish monarch.
George III reigned during a turbulent time. Great Britain defeated France in the Seven Years’ War. However his reign also saw the loss of American colonies. His statue in New York City was destroyed. This was a direct result of the American War of Independence. Interestingly George III suffered from mental illness later in his life. This impacted his role in the Napoleonic Wars.
Originally the statue’s design was grander. It was to be a chariot pulled by four horses. However a lack of funds led to this more modest design. Its intended location was Waterloo Place. However the Duke of York’s statue already stood there. Placing George III’s statue there would have meant his son’s back was turned to him. So they moved it to its current location. That’s the story behind the location of this iconic statue.
The horse Adonis is depicted with a spirited energy. The king’s features resemble those in Johann Zoffany’s famous portrait. The statue was well-received. But it wasn’t without its nicknames. It was dubbed “The pig-tail and pump-handle”. This less than reverent nickname refers to the horse’s tail and the king’s pigtail. This shows that even kings and their statues aren’t immune to a little bit of teasing. The George III Equestrian statue stands as a lasting tribute. It’s a piece of history. It’s a work of art. And it’s a story waiting to be discovered.