Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

Art Historical Context

This elegant bust of Queen Elizabeth I1533–1603), created around 1780 by London's Coade Manufacture in Lamb, embodies the late 18th-century fascination with Britain's Tudor past. Produced by the innovative firm led by entrepreneur Eleanor Coade and featuring modeling by neoclassical sculptor John Bacon the, it portrays the Virgin Queen with poised authority, evoking her role as a symbol of national and cultural revival during the Georgian era. Crafted from Coade stone durable, frost-resistant artificial stoneware developed by Eleanor Coade—this sculpture highlights a pivotal advancement in British artistic production. The medium allowed for precise, weatherproof replicas of fine sculptures at scale, widely used in architecture and memorials across Europe. Faint traces of blue/gray paint suggest original polychromy, adding vibrancy to the queen's likeness. At 21⅝ × 12⅞ × 8 inches and weighing 31.2 pounds, this compact yet imposing piece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection celebrates Elizabeth I's legacy while showcasing Lambeth's industrial artistry. A testament to female ingenuity in a male-dominated field, it invites visitors to ponder the enduring allure of England's "Golden Age" monarch.

About the Artist

Coade Manufacture, Lambeth, London|John Bacon the Elder|Eleanor Coade ( |British) · 1769 |1740 –1840 |1799

1769–1840|British, London 1740–1799 London