Europe Group, part of the Albert memorial in South Kensington, London

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The Albert Memorial stands proudly in Kensington Gardens, London, situated directly north of the Royal Albert Hall. Commissioned by Queen Victoria as a tribute to her beloved husband Prince Albert, who passed away due to typhoid fever in 1861, this magnificent monument was crafted by renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in the Gothic Revival style. Completed in July 1872 and officially opened by Queen Victoria, the memorial features an exquisite canopy or pavilion that serves as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, reminiscent of a ciborium above the high altar of a church. At its center, a stately statue of Prince Albert faces southwards, symbolizing his enduring legacy. Standing at an impressive 176 feet tall, this magnificent structure took over ten years to complete and cost £120,000 (approximately £10 million in today's currency) to build. The funding was made possible by public subscription, demonstrating the widespread admiration for Prince Albert during his lifetime. Adorning the corners of the central and outer areas are two elaborate sculpture programs. One series showcases four groups representing Victorian industrial arts and sciences: agriculture, commerce, engineering, and manufacturing. The other set features four continents - Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas - each represented by several ethnographic figures and a majestic animal. The Asia group was skillfully carved by John Henry Foley, while William Theed took charge of Africa, John Bell of America, and Patrick MacDowell of Europe.