Diana

myminifactory

**Awaiting Rescan** This marble sculpture of Diana the Huntress was originally destined for a prominent display at Wentworth Woodhouse, the grand country estate of the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham in Yorkshire. However, it seems the piece wasn't transported to its intended location until after the marquess's death in 1782 and was never actually showcased. In the sculpture, Diana is depicted in a dramatic pose, shooting her bow while running forward and twisting her head around to take aim. This dynamic pose is surprisingly derived from an early 17th-century bronze statuette of Cupid, which Nollekens had studied extensively and made four detailed drawings. Joseph Nollekens was one of England's most renowned sculptors in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly celebrated for his portrait busts and impressive church monuments. This figure stands out as an ideal work intended for a sculpture gallery, a relatively new type of setting for sculpture in England, possibly inspired by the displays of antique marbles in Rome. Nollekens had spent several years in Rome during the 1760s, where he not only studied ancient sculptures but also established himself as a skilled artist, gaining a number of English patrons like Charles Townley and Lord Yarborough. Upon his return to England, Nollekens became London's leading sculptor, quickly overwhelmed with commissions. One of his former studio assistants, J.T. Smith, wrote a scathing biography of the sculptor after his death, harshly criticizing him for being miserly and ridiculing his unusual personal habits and living conditions. However, Smith did acknowledge that Nollekens worked tirelessly and that his portrait busts were unparalleled in quality. Gallery location: Sculpture, Room 22, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries, case NWAL This object is part of the "Scan The World" initiative, a non-profit project introduced by MyMiniFactory. Scan the World aims to create a comprehensive digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. This community-driven effort is open-source; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London