The gardens at Wrest Park were one of the great wonders of English garden design in the late 17th century and 18th centuries, and this statue was commissioned specifically to reside within them. It shows the goddess Diana, naked except for some drapery around her waist with a dog, possibly a greyhound, beside her. It is remarkable that the statue has survived long enough to be reunited with Wrest. Most of the collection of lead statuary from the estate was tragically melted down for financial reasons by the incumbent Grey family in 1809.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Figure of Diana, c. 1729–1730
Date supported
2012
Medium and material
Lead statue on Portland stone plinth
Dimensions
Height: 2.34 m
Grant
30000
Total cost
143200
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